Ramaroa influenced by WWII US Marines buildings

Ramaroa, the recently opened GWRC park centre at Mackays Crossing, is proving a real bonus for stakeholders in the park.

The Trust is very grateful for use of the centre for meetings, hosting visitors and most recently as a wet weather venue for its Memorial Day Service.

Designed by Ben Gilpin with icon panels and kowhaiwhai designed by Hermann Salzmann and construction by Ryder Builders, Ramaroa draws on a rich Maori heritage and WWII US Marines buildings for its design.

The centre incorporates two separate gable buildings linked by a gullwing roof, tiles, walls and large decks are all influenced by the traditional Maori wharenui and tent structures from the Marines camps.

Practically, the structure enables a specific space for park rangers, new public toilets and a well-equipped, open-plan meeting room (the Kotare Room) that can be hired or used by park stakeholders.

GWRC plans further work on: landscaping, developing of the car parking area, signage and storytelling.

We are grateful to Karl Webber for allowing us to use his photos. For bigger images please visit his Facebook album.