Frequently Asked Questions
Kei nga uri a Rawiri, te hapu o Ngati Oneone, tena kotou katoa
Since the beginning of the rebuild project there have been many questions asked and answered via many different media. A lot of these questions have had the same themes, so the project team thought we would post them in one place so that whanau could reference them as they needed.
FAQ1 What the heck is taking so long??!!!???
Technical experts advised that Hine I Tuhia had to be removed BEFORE proper soil testing could be done. Once the soil testing’s were completed, it was advised that the foundation type we had originally considered would not be adequate for our build.
We did further investigations on the financial impact for the ideal functionality of the wharekai, and the maintenance impact of a cheaper option. It was decided it was better to spend more now while we have funding, than choose a cheaper inferior option that would:
FAQ2 What is wrong with the ground under the wharekai?
Soil testing showed liquefaction and soft soil conditions. Parts of the soil are too soft to resist the weight of the new wharekai. A simple explanation is it’s like trying to build on a cheesecake, where we need to build on the hard biscuit layer but the cheese layer is in the way. We need to dig out the soft layer and replace it with hard fill to build the wharekai on.
FAQ3 What is happening with the church?
A ground investigation was completed as part of an earthquake risk assessment for Te Toko Toru Tapu Church. The results showed that the type of fill that the church was built upon is likely to have contributed to movement of the building. Further structural and foundation inspection showed that the existing foundation system would require significant work and funding in order to prevent slope failure. No one wants a sliding church.
The budget is not adequate to undertake the extensive works required.
So currently, we are not choosing to progress work at the church until a time when we have money to do it properly.
FAQ4 Why hasn’t the hapu seen anything yet?
To those that came and contributed their ideas last year – we thank you. Our plans for the designs above the ground have been ready for a while now. However, they need the below the ground foundations etc, have yet to be agreed to and finalised by the various experts so that the final plans can be drawn. Once the plans have received ‘sign off’ by the experts, we will post them widely on the various forums. Watch this space!
FAQ5 What does the building process entail?
There is usually a considerable investigation and design process before the building process even begins. Below is a picture of the process:
FAQ6 Who is the builder on the project?
Tupz Builders won the contract for the wharekai and wharepaku tender. Peter Tupara is the lead builder.
FAQ7 Who is the Project Manager?
Ranell Nikora (Aunty Charlotte and Uncle Morris’s mokopuna) has taken on the responsibility of Project Manager. She has vast experience in delivering infrastructure and construction projects both in Australia and more recently here in NZ for Gisborne District Council.
Peter Higgs led the project in through the tender phase and now sits on the Project Steering Group providing engineering and procurement advice.
FAQ8 How can I get involved?
We will be holding various working bees over the year in order to get numerous jobs completed at the pa. Watch our Facebook page for a calendar outlining what is happening, and when.
FAQ9 How can I make a koha?
There are a couple of ways whanau can make a contribution to the project.
FAQ10 When will hui be held?
We will post up a calendar of events on our Facebook pages, Website and emails.
FAQ11 who do I contact if I have any questions?
You can post any questions on the Te Pa Eke Tu Facebook page or email us at [email protected] OR ring anyone of the following:
Char Gibson (021) 2457861 – Ranell Nikora (027) 531 8452 – Tash Irwin (027) 458 0337
Since the beginning of the rebuild project there have been many questions asked and answered via many different media. A lot of these questions have had the same themes, so the project team thought we would post them in one place so that whanau could reference them as they needed.
FAQ1 What the heck is taking so long??!!!???
Technical experts advised that Hine I Tuhia had to be removed BEFORE proper soil testing could be done. Once the soil testing’s were completed, it was advised that the foundation type we had originally considered would not be adequate for our build.
We did further investigations on the financial impact for the ideal functionality of the wharekai, and the maintenance impact of a cheaper option. It was decided it was better to spend more now while we have funding, than choose a cheaper inferior option that would:
- increase maintenance costs,
- place that burden on future committees, and
- not achieve the best outcome.
FAQ2 What is wrong with the ground under the wharekai?
Soil testing showed liquefaction and soft soil conditions. Parts of the soil are too soft to resist the weight of the new wharekai. A simple explanation is it’s like trying to build on a cheesecake, where we need to build on the hard biscuit layer but the cheese layer is in the way. We need to dig out the soft layer and replace it with hard fill to build the wharekai on.
FAQ3 What is happening with the church?
A ground investigation was completed as part of an earthquake risk assessment for Te Toko Toru Tapu Church. The results showed that the type of fill that the church was built upon is likely to have contributed to movement of the building. Further structural and foundation inspection showed that the existing foundation system would require significant work and funding in order to prevent slope failure. No one wants a sliding church.
The budget is not adequate to undertake the extensive works required.
So currently, we are not choosing to progress work at the church until a time when we have money to do it properly.
FAQ4 Why hasn’t the hapu seen anything yet?
To those that came and contributed their ideas last year – we thank you. Our plans for the designs above the ground have been ready for a while now. However, they need the below the ground foundations etc, have yet to be agreed to and finalised by the various experts so that the final plans can be drawn. Once the plans have received ‘sign off’ by the experts, we will post them widely on the various forums. Watch this space!
FAQ5 What does the building process entail?
There is usually a considerable investigation and design process before the building process even begins. Below is a picture of the process:
FAQ6 Who is the builder on the project?
Tupz Builders won the contract for the wharekai and wharepaku tender. Peter Tupara is the lead builder.
FAQ7 Who is the Project Manager?
Ranell Nikora (Aunty Charlotte and Uncle Morris’s mokopuna) has taken on the responsibility of Project Manager. She has vast experience in delivering infrastructure and construction projects both in Australia and more recently here in NZ for Gisborne District Council.
Peter Higgs led the project in through the tender phase and now sits on the Project Steering Group providing engineering and procurement advice.
FAQ8 How can I get involved?
We will be holding various working bees over the year in order to get numerous jobs completed at the pa. Watch our Facebook page for a calendar outlining what is happening, and when.
FAQ9 How can I make a koha?
There are a couple of ways whanau can make a contribution to the project.
- Participate – Answer the call! Attending our pa working bees is by and large the BEST way to make a contribution. No job is too large or small, and there is a job for everyone regardless of size, strength or ability. Keep an eye on Facebook, we will regularly update whanau with opportunities to lend a hand up at the pa.
- If you’re across the seas but would like to make a financial contribution our bank account deats are as follows:
ANZ Bank
06-0637-0114865-01 - If you think you have a skill that you would like to contribute to the project, please contact the project email address at [email protected]
FAQ10 When will hui be held?
We will post up a calendar of events on our Facebook pages, Website and emails.
FAQ11 who do I contact if I have any questions?
You can post any questions on the Te Pa Eke Tu Facebook page or email us at [email protected] OR ring anyone of the following:
Char Gibson (021) 2457861 – Ranell Nikora (027) 531 8452 – Tash Irwin (027) 458 0337