Prince’s Gate Archway

Public Art: Prince’s Gate Archway

Designed by: © Captain Archibald Campbell Turner

Builder: Alfred Patchett Warbrick (circa 1860-1940)

Date Unveiled: The archway was erected in honour of the visit in 1901 of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York (later King George V and Queen Mary).

Description: If you look very carefully you can see that the gate looks like a stylish crown.
The structure was built of totara (a tree native to New Zealand) and during the Royal visit was decorated with electric lights. The Nga Whakairo Tupuna carvings guarding the archway are by master carver Tene Waitere and the picket fence created by carver and sculptor Jamie Pickernell. There are 8 timber columns with latticework supporting the arches. The arches were made from layered laminated timber. Today the arches have been reinforced with steel nail plates. It isn’t clear how much of the original timber remains due to the numerous repairs over the decades.

Plaque: 

The wooden arches that grace the entrance to the Government Gardens once spanned the intersection of Fenton and Hinemoa Streets. Designed to represent the royal crown, they were erected in 1901 to honour the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York (later King George V and Queen Mary). The arches were adorned with greenery and electric lights to celebrate the arrival of the royal pair. After the visit, portions of Prince’s Gate were moved to their present position. The impressive totara gateway has been recently restored.

Location: The Prince’s Gate Archway was originally erected for the Royal visit at the junction of Hinemoa and Fenton Streets but was later moved to its present location at the Northwestern entrance to Government Gardens, Rotorua, New Zealand.