Tangata whenua and mana whenua Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Rārua and Rangitāne o Wairau blessed the building on June 30 gifting it the name Te Kahu o Waipuna. A kahu is a traditional cloak and denotes the metaphorical embracing of people. Waipuna has multiple meanings. Waipuna is spring water and references the puna that rise to the northwest of Blenheim and feeds the river that flows past the building.
Te Kahu o Waipuna was purpose-built to reflect the unique surroundings of the Wither Hills. The panels on the exterior of the building mirror the shape of the hills and catch the light throughout the day, making a statement as motorists arrive in Blenheim on State Highway 1. The landscape theme continues inside the building. The colours of the land are reflected through the ground floor and the colours of the sky are reflected throughout the first floor.
Designed by architectural firm Warren and Mahoney building commenced after the blessing of a mauri stone by mana whenua on August 19, 2020.
