Something Special Is Stirring on the Shores of Lake Rotorua

13 July 2026

THE TEASER
Templeton Group travels to Rotorua. Led by Nigel McKenna

ROTORUA LAKEFRONT

The Templeton Group team on the shores of Lake Rotorua

Last week, the Templeton Group team travelled to Rotorua for a day unlike any other in our project calendar.

It began at Tamatekapua, on the sacred grounds of Te Papa-i-Öuru Marae, where we were welcomed with a generosity of spirit that set the tone for everything that followed. Before a single conversation turned to buildings or plans, we were invited to listen. To hear the history of Ngāti Whakaue, the stories woven into this land, and the enduring love story that has shaped the identity of the lakefront for generations.

From there, the kōrero continued as we walked the Rotorua lakefront itself, one of the most remarkable waterfront settings anywhere in New Zealand, before sharing kai at the award-winning Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa. The afternoon carried us to Te Puia, where geothermal steam, living culture and centuries of tradition offered a powerful reminder of why this place draws visitors from every corner of the world.

“Before we talk about what we might build, we must first understand where we stand. This land carries a story that deserves to be told properly, and we intend to listen first.”

— Nigel McKenna, Founder and Chairman, Templeton Group

A DAY ON THE LAKEFRONT

  • —
    A formal welcome at Tamatekapua on Te Papa-i-Öuru Marae, hosted by Ngāti Whakaue
  • —
    History and kōrero shared along one of New Zealand’s most remarkable lakefront settings
  • —
    Kai at the award winning Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa on the lake’s edge
  • —
    An afternoon of living culture and geothermal wonder at Te Puia
The Templeton Group team welcomed at Te Papa-i-Ouru Marae, Rotorua
The Templeton team welcomed at Tamatekapua, Te Papa-i-Öuru Marae

WHY WE WERE THERE

A Story We Are Not Quite Ready to Tell

What brought us here? For now, we will simply say this: we walked a site on that lakefront, and we came away inspired.

Rotorua sits at the heart of New Zealand tourism, and its lakefront is undergoing a transformation that will redefine the city for decades to come. Templeton is proud to be exploring what a meaningful contribution to that future could look like, one grounded in partnership, respect for mana whenua, and design that tells a story rather than simply occupying a site.

Walking the Rotorua lakefront with Ngati Whakaue hosts
Walking the Rotorua lakefront, where history and future meet

WHAT COMES NEXT

The Next Chapter Is Coming

There is much more to share, but not just yet. What we can say is that any project worthy of this setting must begin the way our day in Rotorua began. With listening, with respect, and with a genuine partnership between people and place.

The next chapter of this story is coming soon, and it is one worth waiting for.

Watch this space.

Experiencing living Maori culture and geothermal landscapes at Te Puia
Experiencing living culture and geothermal wonder at Te Puia

Explore the Templeton Group portfolio: https://www.templetongroup.co.nz/portfolio/