Project stakeholders and community representatives attend a Te Manawataki o Te Papa ceremony.

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Our journey

The journey of Te Manawataki o Te Papa

Conflict and confiscation

In 1838, mana whenua entrusted 1333 acres of land to the Church Missionary Society (CMS) to safeguard Māori interests and support the church and community. It was to be held in a trust and not to be sold for a profitable purpose.

After the Battle of Gate Pā and Te Ranga in 1864, and the land confiscations that followed, the CMS, under pressure from the Crown, transferred 80 percent of the trust land to Crown ownership. Mana whenua objected and argued that if it was not to be used for its original purpose, the land should be given back.

The site became council land and in 1995 it was formally transferred to the council for municipal buildings.

The journey so far

Discover the story behind Te Manawataki o Te Papa through this three-part video series. Exploring the site's history, its significance to mana whenua, and the events that have shaped its journey, the series brings together personal perspectives, historical insights, and a shared vision for the future.

It offers a deeper understanding of the land, the relationships connected to it, and the aspirations guiding its transformation in the heart of Tauranga.

A united community

The Otamataha Trust was formed in 2014 by an Act of Parliament recognising the interests of Ngāi Tamarāwaho, Ngāti Tapu and Te Materāwaho. Although some small parts of the land acquired by CMS were returned over the years, most of it was not and remains in dispute over 180 years on. In 2022, Te Manawataki o Te Papa Charitable Trust, a council-controlled organisation (CCO) was established. Jointly governed by the Otamataha Trust and Tauranga City Council, the new CCO helped form a pathway forward to help reconcile past events and restore mana to hapū and iwi.

Render of the new Te Manawataki o Te Papa precinct, with people walking around the grounds in front of the buildings.

Photo of construction progress from above, with cranes at work.

Future vision

In the spirit of partnership and co-ownership, Te Manawataki o Te Papa is being developed as an inclusive community space that reflects the original kaupapa as outlined in the trust that was formed by CMS and tangata whenua in the 1830s. It will be a place to engage with the history of the whenua, share stories, and celebrate the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Tauranga Moana.

In line with the reconciliation process, mana whenua has a voice in the design and development process, enabling the stories behind Te Papa to be told faithfully through design, art and building methods. October 2026 marked a significant milestone for Te Manawataki o Te Papa, with the opening of He Puna Manawa, the new Te Ao Mārama Tauranga Library & Community Hub, and the launch of the new name and visual identity for Ngā Hau o Rēhia Baycourt Theatre as part of the evolving civic precinct. The first museum in Tauranga, alongside the new civic house, is planned to open in 2028. Replacing the former council chambers, the civic house will provide a welcoming space for visitors to the city.

Healing for Tauranga Moana

The original kaupapa at Te Papa was clearly expressed in the trust that was formed in 1834. The heart of this whenua was then made to stop beating through the actions and conflict that beset the region and the rest of Aotearoa through a tumultuous period in our history.

Under the spirit of partnership that has followed, the future of Te Papa now reflects its original purpose. And it goes much further than that. It will draw from the mauri that fed its original kaupapa, while providing a firm foundation for its future use and enjoyment. It will be an inclusive space where Tauranga residents and visitors can feel comfortable and welcome. A space that contributes to a thriving city centre while adding to community pride, creating a legacy for future generations.

Under the watchful auspices of the Otamataha Trust and Tauranga City Council, the heart of Te Papa will start beating again.

Te Manawataki o Te Papa building exterior with illuminated patterned facade.