A treasured building that once housed a Waikato tribal parliament is about to come back to life.
As part of a forthcoming Treaty settlement for Ngati Haua, the Crown will provide funding for Te Kauwhanganui to be restored.
It was set up in 1892 by King Tawhiao for leaders from throughout the country to talk about issues affecting Maori.
The building - which is described as looking similar to a church - has remained mostly dormant for nearly 100 years next to Rukumoana marae in Morrinsville.
Project manager for the tribe's trust board, Muna Wharawhara, says the whare is full of history.
He says it contains many written, unpublished documents dating back to 1880 - which have been seen by very few people.
Mr Wharawhara says Te Kauwhanganui will be used by Ngati Haua - and opened up to the public.
