Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house
Date: 26 May 2025
Work on the new Pouākai Hut within Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki is well advanced, with the bulk of the structure completed thanks to the clever thinking and hard work of DOC staff working with iwi, hapū and numerous local contractors.
A key aspect of the Taranaki Crossing project, the replacement of the Pouākai Hut is part of wider work which has seen several tracks upgraded across the maunga and national park. The hut has been designed alongside Ngā Mahanga a Tairi to reflect a set of shared values for the site.
The Taranaki Crossing project began in February 2020, and the upgrades are due to be completed this year. The project will strengthen connections to the natural and cultural heritage of the maunga, enhance biodiversity and provide opportunities for local people, including iwi, to express their kaitiakitanga of the mountain by sharing their stories.
DOC’s Hauraki-Waikato-Taranaki Regional Director Tinaka Mearns says the Pouākai Hut is in a sub-alpine environment – where there are winds of up to 300 kmh, ice and snow.
“With so much to consider in the design and build, we’ve engaged numerous specialists to ensure the hut is fit for purpose, can withstand the extreme weather – and is a warm, dry and welcoming place for visitors.”
A number of the building’s features have already been completed. Many local firms have been involved, delivering a range of products and services including aluminium joinery, fabricated steel components, scaffolding and electrical work. The building team has been based at the site throughout the build.
The Taranaki Crossing feasibility study in 2017 identified the project is expected to generate $3.70 million annually for the region’s economy by 2025.
Up to 38 short-term jobs will be created through work to upgrade tracks, carry out safety work, and rebuild the Pouākai Hut. It’s expected there will be approximately 12 jobs directly created in the long-term resulting from the Taranaki Crossing, with additional jobs created in support industries such as hospitality and retail.
“Taranaki’s regional economic development strategy Tapuae Roa identified the Taranaki Crossing as a priority project. This will attract more visitors, boost local businesses and create jobs and other opportunities,” says Bridget Sullivan, Principal Regional Advisor for Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit (Kānoa) at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).
The wider programme of works for the Taranaki Crossing is funded by the Provincial Growth Fund ($16.5 million), which is administered by Kānoa. Additional funding to support the project has been provided by DOC ($5.1 million).
The Taranaki Crossing is a partnership between Ngā Iwi o Taranaki, DOC and Kānoa (MBIE). We work together to improve partnership with iwi and cultural expression along with enhancing the economic and tourist potential of the maunga.
Pouākai Hut replacement facts and figures
- The hut is 1190 m above sea level.
- It will have solar power, with lights triggered by hours of darkness.
- Four builders have been on-site for six months constructing the hut.
- It will have 36 bunks – 34 of them for visitors, and two for wardens.
- Three different kinds of insulation, some of it up to 27 cm thick.
- Installation of windwall, protecting the building and visitors from the intense winds on the maunga.
- A new toilet block, with two toilets already in use.
- Several decks to enjoy expansive views.
Contact
For media enquiries contact:
Email: media@doc.govt.nz
