Design and built in accordance with the principles of the Living Building Challenge this building serves as both a visitor’s centre for trampers and other visitors to Lake Waikeremoana and as the administrative space for the local tribal authority.
Viewed by Tūhoe as signalling a return to Te Uruwera the building is a physical embodiment of kaitiakitanga and Tūhoe’s relationship with the land. The building therefore only takes what it needs and attempts to tread lightly through the use of rainwater and renewable energy.
The building includes a visitor’s centre with displays / interpretation, café and kitchen, retail, offices and wānanga space.