The Prince’s Gate Arches are part of a much wider story than the structure alone. They stand at the entrance to Government Gardens Paepaehakumanu — on land gifted by Ngāti Whakaue for the benefit of the people. The arches themselves were erected in 1901 for the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York, during an extraordinary gathering that brought thousands of Māori and Pākehā together in Rotorua.

For me personally, these arches are part of home. I grew up seeing them as part of Rotorua's landscape, identity and story. This campaign is not about looking backwards, it is about respecting what came before us and making sure future generations can still stand beneath something that connects so many parts of Rotorua's history.

That history has many layers. It includes mana whenua, the development of Rotorua, our relationship with the Crown, tourism, civic life, ANZAC commemorations, celebrations and generations of ordinary Rotorua families who have passed beneath these arches. These histories are different, but they exist together and each deserves to be acknowledged and respected.

This petition is therefore not simply about saving an old wooden structure. It is about protecting a place where our histories meet. We want mana whenua, iwi, heritage experts, Council and the wider Rotorua community to be part of determining its future, collaboratively and respectfully.

We acknowledge the serious structural and safety issues. We are asking that the Prince’s Gate Arches be restored and authentically rebuilt wherever practicable, retaining original material, craftsmanship and character, so this shared heritage remains for future generations.

Our history. Our heritage. Our shared place. Kia kaha, Rotorua. 🌿❤️