28 | REGIONAL Te Puna Mahara - Cromwell Memorial Hall “Congratulations to Jasmax for another successful project. It was a pleasure to work alongside them on the Cromwell Events Centre.” BRICK LAYING SCHIST STONE BLOCK LAYING OAMARU STONE TILING Covering all of Central Otago and Southern Lakes Proudly supporting Jasmax - Christchurch Proud Supporter OF OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY CARPET . VINYL . TIMBER . LAMINATE . RUGS . BEDS www.flooringxtra.co.nz ALEXANDRA 60 Russell St P: 03 448 7088 E: alexandra@fl ooringxtra.co.nz CROMWELL 28 Harvest Road P: 03 445 0835 E: cromwell@fl ooringxtra.co.nz T T Alexia Anderson Marking a new chapter for region The venue features a 400-seat theatre, meeting and conference facilities, a 40-seat cinema, museum, dance studio, cafe and bar. “It’s a statement of mana, and it has been such a privilege working with mana whenua, Central Otago District Council, Jasmax and SA Studio to embed this important narrative into the design integration of the building.” Te Puna Mahara, the newly established Cromwell Memorial Hall and Events Centre, has opened its doors, marking a new era for Central Otago. The state-of-the-art facility is now providing the region with a purpose-built community, arts and events venue designed to benefit residents and visitors for generations to come. Officially opened on July 18, Te Puna Mahara now stands as a landmark facility, one of the most significant capital projects ever undertaken by the Central Otago District Council (CODC), bringing together culture, hospitality, entertainment and community under one roof. The multi-purpose venue features a 400seat theatre, meeting and conference facilities, a 40-seat cinema, museum, dance studio, cafe and bar. It also has a range of flexible community and creative spaces designed to support everything from performances and exhibitions to conferences and local events. Marking the beginning of a new chapter for Cromwell and the wider district, it’s a project that has been years in the making. Te Puna Mahara was designed to honour the site’s memorial significance, while delivering a welcoming space capable of meeting the needs of a growing community. Throughout the design process, extensive consultation was undertaken with an external stakeholder group comprising representatives from the Cromwell Town and Country Club, Cromwell Museum, Cromwell Cultural Centre Trust, Cromwell RSA, Old Cromwell Inc and Fine Thyme Theatre, alongside regular input from the project’s advisory group. CODC also partnered with Aukaha, the consultancy company for Kāi Tahu, to refine the cultural design concepts and ensure the building reflected the stories and values of mana whenua. Working alongside architects, Jasmax, the collaboration resulted in a facility that combines functionality and a strong cultural identity. One of its most distinctive features is Tūwhakarōria, a large angled pole located at the main entrance. Representing the giant kō, or digging stick, of Kāi Tahu and Waitaha ancestor Rākaihautū, the sculpture reflects narratives deeply connected to the landscapes of Te Waipounamu and Central Otago. Aukaha - Mana Ahurea design lead, Aroha Novak, says the significance of the narrative required specialist artistic expertise. “For instance, the kō, Tūwhakarōria, pierces through the ceiling of the entranceway to the events centre and will be a beacon of light – literally. It will be illuminated at the centre as a wayfinding signal,” she says. “It’s a statement of mana, and it has been such a privilege working with mana whenua, Central Otago District Council, Jasmax and SA Studio to embed this important narrative into the design integration of the building.” The cultural narrative extends throughout the facility, weaving local history and identity into the architecture. During the design phase, Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou representative Paulette Tamati-Elliffe explained the key values behind the cultural design integration. “When we look inland to the beautiful landscape, the great lakes, the stunning mountain ranges, where the water flows from into those rivers, we are reminded that Central Otago is the cradle of our creation narratives. “Those mountains and waters are our ancestors. Our whakapapa connects us to these places.” The project progressed through concept and detailed design before construction started in early 2024, undertaken by Naylor Love as construction partner and Jasmax as construction project manager. Today, s already establishing itself as a vibrant destination, with locally owned AWA Cafe Bar Eatery serving up food and refreshments, while a state-of-the-art cinema provides a welcoming entertainment experience. Cromwell Community Board chair Anna Harrison believes the support it has received from operators has set it up well for the future, and is something the community can be proud of for generations to come. “To have such proven operators joining Te Puna Mahara is incredibly exciting for Cromwell and the wider region,” she says.
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