"Unfortunately the years and our unique geothermal environment had started taking its toll on the original and it was stored away for preservation," he said.
"Last month it was gifted back to the Schuster whanau, descendants of Tene Waitere, for their safe keeping. The original waharoa became an icon of the Valley and everything that it represents, and we expect that the replica will come to represent the same over time.
"It is already proving to be a much-sought after photo for manuhiri [visitors]."
Institute director Karl Johnstone said the carving required a special set of skills to be able to recreate the piece.
"Like the original, this waharoa represents our material heritage," he said.
"By virtue of its form and design, it acknowledges the legacy of Tene Waitere and his descendants. At the same time, it is also an important reflection of the skills and aspirations of our current carvers as they create their own history.
"This has been a complex and nostalgic project. The symbolism of the piece will continue to generate meaning over time and it will not be until our future generations look back, that the next chapter of the ongoing story of the waharoa will become clear."
The carving was led by senior carver Albert Te Pou and was carved from a 5m high, 3 tonne piece of bush-felled and laminated Northland kauri.
