Wellington's central public library in Te Ngākau Civic Square is being unveiled this morning.
The library has been closed since March 2019, when seismic research suggested a threat to life in the event of a serious earthquake. The redevelopment is estimated to have cost $217.6 million, with the library due to reopen to the public in March 2026.
It's already been gifted the name of Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui, meaning 'a window to the wider world' in te reo Māori.
Several artists have been commissioned for artwork, which is also being unveiled today.
Susie Ferguson speaks to Mark Amery, host of RNZ's Culture 101, who's live at the ceremony.
The poem 'Brown Optimism' by the late J.C. Sturm on the side of Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui. Photo: Mark Amery
