A Brief Chronology

26 September 1902: Wohlmann submits initial plans

18 October 1905: Hutchinson tender accepted

31 May 1908: Building contract completed

13 August 1908: Building opened by Admiral Sperry of the American Fleet

1911 – 1912: South Wing addition completed

1 July 1947: Bath House transferred to Health Department

1 May 1963: Transfer to Rotorua City Council approved along with grant of $64,000

1965: Tudor Towers restaurant takes up lease of upstairs area. Later, hangi and Maori concerts are presented. Food prepared on the premises is transported via a walkway to the newly constructed Conference and Sports Centre.

October 1966: The building is vacated by the Health Department

1966: Council uses North Wing as storage depot and the area is used by Prisoners Aid and Rehabilitation Society, and Rotorua City Combined Clothing and Furniture Bank

1 November 1969: City of Rotorua Museum officially opened in South Wing

12 October 1977: Rotorua City Art Gallery opens in North Wing

23 May 1983: Centennial Wing extension to South Wing opens

2 April 1985: Building is classified “B” by New Zealand Historic Places Trust. Coffee bar lease expires in North Wing

11 October 1986: North Wing Gallery extensions designed by Hocking & Verrall open

28 May 1987: Te Arawa gallery opens in Centennial Wing

31 August 1988: Art Gallery and Museum amalgamated

2 September 1990: Nightclub lease expires

15 December 1993: Conservation plan commissioned

3 September 1995: Museum staff vacate work areas in North East Wing

6 June 1997: “Taking the Cure” opens in re-developed North East Wing

Bibliography

Auckland Weekly News. 13 August 1901.

Bath House Records 1909, 1925-26, 1931 to 1939. Courtesy of Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Bennett, Paul Rewi. (1984). Tudor Towers – The Rotorua Baths. Victoria University of Wellington.

Boyd, Joan., Stafford, Don., Steele, Roger. (eds). (1980). Rotorua 1880-1980. New Zealand: H. A Holmes & Coy Ltd.

Daily Post. Rotorua, various editions.

Herbert, Arthur Stanley. O.B.E., M.D., B.S. (1921). The Hot Springs of New Zealand. London: H. K. Lewis & Co. Ltd.

Morning Post. Rotorua, various editions.

Rockel, Ian. (1986). Taking the Waters/Early Spas in New Zealand. Wellington: Government Printing Office Publishing.

Savage, Paula. (1980). The Government Gardens. Rotorua: Rotorua District Council Publication.

Stafford, D.M. (1986). The Founding Years In Rotorua, A History of Events to 1900. Auckland: Ray Richards Publisher.

Stafford, D.M. (1988). The New Century In Rotorua, A History of Events from 1900. Auckland: Ray Richards Publisher.

Wohlmann, A.S. M.D., B.S. (1914). The Mineral Waters and Spas of New Zealand. Wellington: John Mackay, Government Printer.

Wohlmann, A.S. M.D., B.S. (1914). The Mineral Waters and Health Resorts of New Zealand. Fifth Edition. Wellington: John Mackay, Government Printer.

100 Years of Rotorua. (1979). Braynart Group.

Special Thanks to

James Meek, Neil Hayden, Verna White, Alice Robinson, Ivor Perrin, Joyce Fisher, Kate Shaw, Lilian Langebraun, Ron Brownson, Ian Rockell, Jenny Hodgson, Patricia McLeod

Acknowledgements

Alexander Turnbull Library, Auckland University School of Architecture Library, National Archives Wellington, National Archives Auckland, Rotorua Museum, Rotorua Public Library