Transformation of the Great Hall

On Sunday 24th Months of work designing, developing, restoring and transforming the Great Hall came to a crescendo for Lighting the Lamp of Remembrance event.

Red carpet laid, Sappers’ Chapel restored, stage expanded for music, tukutuku panels created by Beronia Scott and her fellow weavers from Te Puawai, Ōrākei marae have now been installed amongst the oak panelling in the sanctuary (front of the Great Hall), to honour the heritage of the building, and create a memorable context for musicians on-stage.

The blessing of the tukutuku panels was led by Kaumatua Tautoko Witika and named Pou Tangata. There are many interpretations of the term pou tangata. The pū korero given at the blessing, speaks of an invitation to the stairway to and from heaven. The design is the poutama pattern, which reaches to the heavens. It is a thing of great beauty, and we invite you to view it from all angles, and to come on-stage to see it up-close. We thank the weavers for their incredible work.

We also give thanks to the Donald Percy Winstone Trust, a Founding Benefactor, for making possible this transformation of the Great Hall.

[Image credit: Jessica Chloe Photography]