The archway originally stood near the Grand Hotel before being relocated to its position at the Government Gardens’ entrance.
The structure underwent a major reconstruction in 1974 and remains one of Rotorua’s most recognisable heritage landmarks.
Prince’s Gate Hotel is across the road from the archway. Its former owner Brett Marvelly told the Rotorua Daily Post he agreed safety was “number one”.
“But [by] the same token, you cannot replicate history. Once you take history away, it never comes back.”
Marvelly said the archway was a wooden structure, “so as far as strengthening it, that wouldn’t be a problem”.
Marvelly said he would like to see an independent review of “whoever’s come up with this decision of taking it down and having a look at it”.
“It’s too easy to throw away things that can never be replicated.”
He said the 125-year-old archway was an “icon” and a “very photographed gate”.
“In regard to the history, it’s a fabric of our society.”
Rotorua architectural designer Darryl Church said he drew inspiration from the archway when converting a factory building to the Tompkins Wake Rotorua office on Arawa St, one block from the Prince’s Gate.
“We took some inspiration from the sort of timber-like latticework from the gateway, and we applied that to the facade of the building.”
He said it was “quite a contemporary interpretation of it”.
Rotorua architectural designer Darryl Church said he drew inspiration from the Prince’s Gate Archway when converting a factory building to the Tompkins Wake Rotorua office on Arawa St. Photo / Megan Wilson
Church said he would love to see the “unique” archway rebuilt.
“If there’s parts of that structure that can be reinstated and reused, then that would be nice, I think, to have those materials a part of that original story.
“But if that’s not possible or cost-prohibitive, then I think rebuilding it in new materials but to the original design would be a good outcome.”
Church said the archway was a “defining gateway”.
“I’m almost certain if you held up a photo of it and showed it around … most people would be able to instantly identify it as the entranceway to the Government Gardens.”
He understood the council had to do the “responsible thing” by taking it down for safety reasons.
Local historian and author Phil Andrews QSM said he hoped the archway could be strengthened and maintained.
“It’s certainly an important feature in Rotorua’s history.”
Deconstruction to begin in two to three months
Council group manager of community experience Alex Wilson said the council sought advice from independent expert engineering consultancy Blueline Consulting.
“No decisions have been made on the future of the Prince’s Gateway Arches.”
Wilson said the purpose of the inspection was to “visually assess” the structural condition and stability of the lattice arch structure after loose timber was removed.
The council website said assessments found “important structural elements” of the arches had reached their natural life expectancy.
The archway needed to be removed to enable any repair, reconstruction or replacement work, it said.
The council intended to “carefully deconstruct the structure and retain materials where possible rather than demolishing it” and the parts would be securely stored.
“This will enable us to preserve it while future decisions are made … ”
Wilson said the council would appoint a project manager.
Deconstruction was expected to begin in two to three months, Wilson said.
Wilson reiterated the structure could not safely remain in place and public safety was the priority.
“We are monitoring forecasts and if high wind warnings are predicted we will close the area off as a precautionary measure.
“The structure is not considered unsafe for the public in normal conditions.”
Megan Wilson is a health and general news reporter for the Bay of Plenty Times and the Rotorua Daily Post. She has been a journalist since 2021.