Wellington City Council today marked another key milestone towards the re-opening of Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui with students delivering and shelving books in a re-creation from the 1940s.

When the Central Library opened in 1940 in the current City Gallery building, all the books were moved in by 500 students from Rongotai College. Today, 85 years later, 50 junior students from the same college helped move hundreds of books back into the building.

Today’s event, watched on by members of the Rongotai Old Boys Association, was just a drop in the ocean, with a total collection of 420,000 books (250,000 will be available in the public space) expected to be housed in the restored library.

Mayor Andrew Little says Wellingtonians chose to keep and restore the building, and today’s event demonstrated the value it has had in the community for almost a century – and that will continue well into the future.

“Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui is a place for Welllingtonians to enjoy, learn and connect with our communities. Today is a celebration of the longstanding connection between Wellington and our central library as we breathe new life into the facility.

“The restoration of Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui acknowledges the shared history and culture of the area through a co-partnership design with mana whenua. This design also brings together Nōku te Ao Capital E and Wellington City Archives with the library to provide community benefits for Wellingtonians to enjoy, experience and to seek knowledge.

“Over 8,000 shelves need to be filled with books so we’re very appreciative of the helping hand from Rongotai’s students, who are renewing the connection between the College and the library after 85 years. It’s exciting to welcome back our students, children, parents and teachers, and the whole community, when Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui re-opens in March next year.”

From borrowing books, reading and study spaces, there will also be youth-focused spaces, a sound studio, film making and editing resources, and fully supported activities and events like exhibitions, cultural experiences, and school programmes.

Rongotai College Deputy Principal Geoff Hall says for them it’s a privilege to repeat history by being at Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui today.

“Rongotai College places real value on contributing to our community, and we are also working very hard to foster a love of reading for our students so we are really grateful for this opportunity.”

The total cost of the building design and build inclusive of furniture, fittings and equipment is within the $217.6 million budget.

The official re-opening of Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui celebration is scheduled for Saturday 14 March 2026.

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