Right up until the day before NorthTec's refurbished whare hui opened, workers were installing the final pieces of artwork.
Kura Te Waru-Rewiri, project manager and arts tutor, said carvers, weavers, artists and students from NorthTec worked tirelessly from January to ensure the whare hui, Te Puna o Te Matauranga, was ready by December. It was officially opened this week.
"I'm very pleased," said Ms Te Waru-Rewiri.
"The concept was the three baskets of knowledge and also the delivery of NorthTec and an emphasis on contemporary."
Ms Te Waru-Rewiri said because the whare hui was part of NorthTec they were able to take a step away from what would be expected in a traditional whare.
