Waka Structure Rising at Museum of Southland

The structural steel frames that will hold Museum of Southland’s double-hulled waka are now in place.

Designed to give the impression of floating above the museum’s central foyer, the waka will become a striking centrepiece, visually linking the western experience hall with the eastern building, which will house the café, retail, education, and office spaces.

Each frame weighs about 15 tonnes and is engineered to carry the waka, which will itself be constructed from further steel and clad in locally sourced Southland beech.