Te Manawa

Te Manawa means 'The Heart' and in this case symbolises both the heart of the city but also the heartfelt story of the two lovers Hinemoa and Tutanekai.

The name was gifted by Ngati Whakaue who were consulted as mana whenua, following calls for a new name to reflect the changes taking place.

In considering the design of Te Manawa it was recognised the space was not only a central connection for the people of Rotorua, but also a point of key cultural significance to Te Arawa and the Rotorua district.

The key themes highlighting cultural significance are:

• The legend of Hinemoa and Tutanekai
  Located at the intersection of Tutanekai and Hinemoa Streets the carved figures have stood in Rotorua's inner city for many years.The two carvings celebrated the legend of the two lovers who would not be separated and were finally joined when Hinemoa swam from Hinemoa Point to Mokoia Island, the home of Tutanekai. It was important they remain part of the refreshed design. Using the landscaping and other elements the carvings were given more prominence within Te Manawa. Two transects (paved lines) have been incorporated which run underneath each of the carvings and point directly to the lover's homes - Hinemoa Point and Mokoia Island.
• Mount Tarawera
  Within the paving design there are a number of transects (paved lines of a different colour) that represent the Tarawera eruption and the effect it had on the people and landscape of Rotorua.A plan of the proposed space was dissected into an 8m grid and the line pointing to Mount Tarawera was applied. Where the line intersected with the grid it was slightly disrupted, slightly rotating the line. These lines created the basis of the paving pattern, as well as defining paths, edges and landscaping throughout the space. These are not footpaths rather design elements.
• Kuirau Park
  Kuirau Park and its geothermal landscape has prominence within the city and in the legend of Kuiarau, the wife of Tamahika who was dragged down into the lake by a Taniwha. In seeing the struggle between Kuiarau and the Taniwha the gods were angered and caused the lake to boil to destroy the Taniwha forever. Given the locality of Kuirau Park to the west of the city centre we have made reference to this in the design of a recreational green space to the western edge of Hinemoa Street.

Te Manawa is a Shared Zone - (NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi). This means that cars, pedestrians, bike riders and other users are all allowed to use Te Manawa. Users must be respectful and courteous of others in the space.

Some guidelines:

If you are driving a car:

• Motorists must give way to pedestrians in a Shared Zone. It is important that motorists reduce their speed to walking pace (approximately 10kmph) when driving in a Shared Zone to allow pedestrians to move freely across the space.

If you are a pedestrian (including those on skateboards, scooters or mobility devices):

• Pedestrians have right of way within Te Manawa but must not directly hinder traffic. Traffic will travel along Hinemoa and Tutanekai Streets so pedestrians must still watch out for cars.

If you are riding a bike:

• Bike riders must give way to pedestrians at Te Manawa. The Green Corridor is continued through the space and riders are directed by signs at either side. Bikes are permitted to use any of the space, but the preferred route is the Green Corridor.

Under the Land Transport Act bikes, skateboards, foot scooters, in-line skates and roller skates (wheeled recreational devices) are all considered a vehicle. Vehicles are permitted at Te Manawa but must give way to pedestrians.

People should be respectful, courteous and use reasonable consideration towards other users of the Shared Zone area but to maintain safety and enjoyment, foot scooters, skateboards and rollerblades are best ridden in recreational areas designated for their use.

The rules for using Te Manawa will be enforced the same way as other streets are policed, using Council's Bylaws and the New Zealand road code. Illegal parking, dangerous driving and speeding may result in ticketing.

• Drivers and bike riders must give way to pedestrians
• Pedestrians must not directly hinder traffic.

If you would like to busk, fundraise or hold an event or activity at Te Manawa please call Council on 07 348 4199 or email to info@rotorualc.nz. Permits for activity are approved by Council's Inner-City Operations team.

• 50% more open public space with clearer, prioritised pedestrian routes
• More shared space for relaxing, socialising and events
• Mix of paved, lawn and garden surfaces
• Improved spaces for cafes to extend seating
• Safer pedestrian and traffic routes
• No loss of parking spaces
• Design that reflects cultural significance of Te Arawa.

Yes - the timber used in the construction of the pillars and seats were all supplied from local forests, using Abodo Timber, milled at Donelleys Sawmill. The timber does not include any chemicals but instead is thermally modified, helping it to withstand the Rotorua environment. They are proud to partner with Council on this project.

Read more about the partnership with Donelleys Sawmill.

Yes, Te Manawa is Smokefree.