PATAKA's HISTORY

In 1997, Page 90, the Mana Community Arts Council organisation and the Porirua City Council Business Unit - Porirua Museum amalgamated to form the new Porirua Museum of Arts and Cultures.   It was established at the site of the Porirua Museum in Takapuwahia.

The former site of Page 90, corner of Parumoana and Norrie Street, was then revamped and new parts were added to the building.  A second floor, storerooms, education centre, museum courtyard, workshops, the Japanese Garden, the Community Meeting Room and extensions to the library completed the alterations. 

The building was named Te Marae O Te Umu Kai O Hau.

The architects for the building alterations were Architecture+.  The first stage of development was completed by Downer Construction and the second stage was completed by Maycroft Construction.

In September 1998 the building was reopened. Later that year the museum was renamed PATAKA Museum of Arts and Cultures.

In 2000 the library was further developed with the addition of the children’s library.

Since opening, PATAKA has carved out a niche for itself in the region's highly competitive market for cultural entertainment.  The centre has become very successful with annual visitor numbers growing from 30,000 to over 165,000 people P.A. *Year to July 2005.