A pohiri has taken place to officially open Te Aka Mauri library and children's health hub this morning.
Rotorua's new library and health hub will set an example to the rest of the country - but it's only a start, some say.
Hundreds of people packed into the centre following a pohiri as Te Aka Mauri was officially opened this morning.
Under sunny skies, guests and dignitaries, including 2014 New Zealander of the Year Dr Lance O'Sullivan, were welcomed onto the new site by a Te Arawa group.
Pohiri to open the Te Aka Mauri library and children's health hub this morning. Photo/Stephen Parker
O'Sullivan told the crowd Rotorua was showing "significant leadership to the country, and the country will be watching".
She highlighted the importance of the partnership between the Rotorua Lakes Council, the Lakes District Health Board, government departments, and other strategic partners, in making the centre a reality.
"It's a New Zealand first - well done, Rotorua."
Rotorua MP Todd McClay said it had been a four year process to get the centre open, focusing on "our people in Rotorua and how to get better outcomes for them".
"Our people in Rotorua are better off for the announcement we've made today."
Waiariki MP Tamati Coffey stepped in to present a speech after New Zealand First MP Fletcher Tabuteau's flight from Wellington was cancelled.
Inside the new Te Aka Mauri library and children's health hub this morning. Photo/Stephen Parker
Describing the centre as "innovative, new and exciting", Coffey said reducing child poverty was a priority for the Government.
"Child health is at the front and centre of that."
A ribbon made up of intertwining colours was cut to signal the opening of the centre.
The colours represented the different floors of the hub - green for the ground floor, or earth, yellow for the first floor, representing sulphur, volcanic red for the second floor, and blue to represent the sky for the third floor.
WELCOMED: Dr Lance O'Sullivan during this morning's pohiri. PHOTO/STEHEN PARKER
The adjoining Jean Batten Square has also been extended and transformed into a new community space featuring a playground and a raised crossing.
The project budget was $12.8m from Rotorua Lakes Council and up to $4m from the Lakes District Health Board.
External funders have granted more than $1m towards special features and equipment for the library and park.
The DHB will become a long-term paying tenant in the 6000sq m building, with the library taking up about 4000sq m. Some staff facilities will be shared.
Te Aka Mauri will open its doors to the public tomorrow with speakers, music, and children's activities.
The opening will also mark the start of the Rotorua Library opening seven days a week.
The opening day will start at 10am and go until 4pm.
