In 1350, the first waka landed at Te Awanui. After conflict and loss, apology and partnership are restoring Te Papa’s heartbeat, building a new future on old foundations.
Tauranga City Council has produced a documentary series linking the history of the central city to its $306 million civic precinct development.
Te Manawataki o Te Papa – Restoring Our City’s Beating Heart, was launched on Tuesday to coincide with the anniversary of the Battle of Pukehinahina (Gate Pā).
The three-part documentary cost the council $199,363 to make and includes interviews with local historians, iwi, artists and civic leaders.
The council said in a media release the series explored the city’s complex past, journey through conflict and reconciliation, and future vision of Te Manawataki o Te Papa (the heartbeat of Te Papa) – a civic project described as transformative and built on unity, acknowledgement and shared aspirations.
Due for completion in 2028, the new civic precinct will feature a museum, a civic whare (public meeting house), exhibition gallery, and a new library and community hub that is set to open in 2026.
It also includes upgrades to the Baycourt Community and Arts Centre and Tauranga Art Gallery, and extensive beautification and landscaping of the area.
The council said the documentary was released on April 29 to coincide with the anniversary of the pivotal 1864 battle when Māori forces defeated British troops.
The battle’s legacy, including the subsequent Crown land confiscations, is central to the story, alongside the journey of reconciliation and renewed partnership between tangata whenua and the wider community, the release said.
The three documentary parts are named Origins, Conflict and Reconciliation.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern gave a speech at the signing of Te Manawataki o Te Papa Trust deed. Photo / Mead Norton
Council general manager city developments and partnerships Gareth Wallis said in the media release that the project marked a huge step forward for Tauranga.
He said Te Manawataki o Te Papa was more than a construction project, and was a “powerful symbol of how we can come together by acknowledging our shared history”.
“A place once marked by injustice is now becoming a centre of reconciliation, restoration, and shared pride.”
He said the partnership between council, mana whenua, and the community was “creating a new heart for our city, built on truth, understanding, and mutual respect”.
“It’s the beginning of a healing journey that honours the past while building something truly special for future generations.”
