Te Aka Mauri opens its doors to the public

Wet weather couldn't dampen the enthusiasm as members of the public had their first look at Rotorua's new library and health hub.

Te Aka Mauri has opened its doors the to the public for the first time, following its official opening on Friday.

Hundreds of people had already flocked to the centre by noon to check out the new facility and enjoy the entertainment and activities put on to mark the occasion.

Dr Lance O'Sullivan gives a presentation at the Te Aka Mauri open day. PHOTO/ BEN FRASER

Rotorua Lakes Council project manager Mandy Godo said the day was going "really, really well" by late morning.

While the weather hadn't "played ball", people were so keen to see the new hub they'd been lining up outside the doors since 9.30am, she said.

Image 1 of 11: Te Aka Mauri library and children's health hub open day. Jessica Roberts and Griff Roberts, 2,

Feedback had been "really positive", she said.

It had been a long journey filled with plenty of hard work to get to the opening, and it was exciting to finally open the doors, she said.

Te Aka Mauri was packed with people eager to check out the new facility. PHOTO/ BEN FRASER

For visitor Sandra Lynch, who came along with daughters Maddison, 4, and Olivia, 1, the amount of interactive activities available for children was a surprise.

"It's cool, it's awesome," she said.

There were plenty of events to entertain the crowds, from performers and storytelling sessions to tours of the facilities.

Te Aka Mauri library and children's health hub open day. Sandra Lynch and Maddison Lynch , 4, Photo/Ben Fraser

Guest speaker Dr Lance O'Sullivan, formerly of Rotorua, drew a large crowd as he talked about advances in digital health.

The adjoining Jean Batten Square, which has also been extended and transformed into a new community space featuring a playground and a raised crossing, proved popular with younger attendees.

The project budget was $12.8m from Rotorua Lakes Council and up to $4m from the Lakes District Health Board.

The Te Aka Mauri open day drew a big crowd. PHOTO/ BEN FRASER

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.

The opening also marked the start of a seven-days-a-week library service.