The hut was expected back on the DOC booking system and available to visitors on 12 August. Photo: Supplied/DOC
Karakia rang out across the Pouākai Range in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki, as representatives from Ngā Mahanga a Tāiri hapū blessed the new Pouākai Hut.
The 34-bunk $2.4 million hut was formally opened this week, marking the official completion of an eight-month build project years in the planning.
The unique design was a result of collaboration between Ngā Mahanga a Tāiri, and architects familiar with alpine hut design and construction.
"Hapū representatives have valued the collaborative partnership with Department of Conservation on the design and build of the new Pouākai Hut," said Ngā Mahanga a Tāiri hapū member Richard Buttimore.
"It has reflected the agreed values for this kaupapa, respecting Pouākai the tupuna, the environment and the whenua - ensuring our ongoing manaaki for the day and overnight visitors who will use this beautiful new hut.
"To see the hut develop from initial ideas and plans to now be completed and ready to welcome visitors represents a shared vision brought to reality."
The Pouākai Hut was part of the Taranaki Crossing project, a partnership involving DOC, Kānoa - Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit, Ngā Iwi o Taranaki and hapū, which saw several tracks across Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki upgraded.
The Taranaki Crossing was funded by the Provincial Growth Fund ($16.4 million), which is administered by Kānoa, with additional money provided by DOC ($5.2 million).
DOC Hauraki-Waikato-Taranaki regional director Tinaka Mearns said the new Pouākai Hut represented a major milestone in the Taranaki Crossing project.
"We're so pleased to have completed this part of the project, as it's the most popular hut in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki," Mearns said. "The previous Pouākai Hut was at the end of its life and the new structure is more than double the size of its predecessor, so it's a big improvement for visitors."
Mearns said the construction of the hut presented some challenging logistics, including the need to fly materials and tradespeople to the site.
"I'm proud of the efficiency and smart thinking the project team has shown to finish the build," she said. "Constructing a hut on the side of a mountain, where there's no road, is not an easy feat.
"The construction team has done a terrific job - their skill and dedication to the build has been superb, including living onsite for extended periods."
The hut was expected back on the DOC booking system and available to visitors on 12 August.
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