Tudor towers: the Rotorua Baths

Abstract

The history and development of Rotorua is a complicated one both from a cultural point of veiw and a Legislative one. The Town's development during the early 1900's was the result of two cultures, both Maori and Pakeha, working together at a time when the very young colony was still trying to find its feet and establish a cordial relationship between two peopls of very different backgrounds. To examine any aspect of Rotorua, be it the people, the attractions or the buildings, a look back at the past and an understanding of what occurred is essential, for nowhere more than in Rotorua is the past such an important part of both the present, and the future. At the beginning of this century the New Zealand Government became very aware of the tourist potential of Rotorua and by way of the Tourist and Health Resorts Department, poured thousands of pounds into the development of the district. Little more than a minor village in 1900, by 1922 Rotorua had grown so rapidly that it attained Borough status. During this period, the New Zealand Government hoped to turn Rotorua into the Great Spa of the Southern Hemisphere. This report looks at the development of Rotorua both as a town and as a spa facility and health resort. In particular it examines the principal building at the centre of that development, the Rotorua Baths, or Tudor Towers as it is now known. The report looks at the building in terms of its conception, its construction, its degeneration, and its restoration. In addition, the report examines the influences that have come into play with regard to the design of the structure and asks the question, " Is Tudor Towers an apt Title ? " There is also a short piece on the statues housed within Tudor Towers and the principal people involved in the design, construction and administration of the building. This report is an historical look at a town, a resource, and a building all unique and a vital part of our countrys' heritage.