Toko Toru Tapu Church Rebuild, New Zealand
Project Overview
The Toko Toru Tapu church in Manutuke, Gisborne, is one of New Zealand’s most significant Māori churches, renowned for its deep cultural history and intricate carvings by master carver Rukupo.
With the current structure dating back to 1913, the brick-and-mortar construction had deteriorated over time, necessitating a full restoration to preserve its heritage and structural integrity.
A key component of the restoration involved seismic stabilization and crack stitching to reinforce the church against future structural challenges.
Traditional steel reinforcement posed a risk of corrosion, which could lead to masonry rupture and further damage.
To ensure a long-lasting solution, engineers and architects specified Mateenbar60™ fiberglass rebar for the project.
Project Results
The use of Mateenbar60™ in the seismic strengthening of Toko Toru Tapu church delivered several critical advantages:
- Non-corrosive and long-lasting –Mateenbar60™ does not rust or degrade, ensuring the masonry remains intact over time.
- Lightweight and easy to install – Construction teams found Mateenbar60™ easier to handle, cut, and mount, streamlining the restoration process.
- Proven seismic performance – Fiberglass rebar provides the necessary reinforcement without adding excessive weight or introducing corrosion risks that could compromise the church’s structure.
- Locally manufactured – The use of a locally produced product supported the New Zealand construction industry while providing a tailored solution for the project’s needs.
Architect James Blackburne of Architects 44 and structural engineer Peter Smith of Spencer Holmes both evaluated multiple reinforcement options before selecting Mateenbar60™, noting that it was the best fit for the job. City Construction, responsible for the installation, also highlighted the material’s ease of use and reliability.
Integrating Mateenbar60™ into the seismic strengthening of Toko Toru Tapu church ensures that this historic landmark will continue to stand for generations, preserving its cultural significance while reinforcing its structural resilience.
To see how Mateenbar® helped reconstruct another New Zealand historic landmark, see the Gisborne Cenotaph Repair.
Building the Future with Mateenbar®
For over 30 years globally, Mateenbar® has been a leader in strength, purpose, and sustainable innovation—proudly made in the USA and fully BABA-compliant. When infrastructure projects demand proven durability, superior performance, and long-term resilience, Mateenbar60™ is the smart choice. Contact our team today to learn how GFRP rebar can optimize your next project, reduce lifecycle costs, and deliver lasting results. Discover why Mateenbar® reinforces what matters most—building the future of infrastructure, one project at a time.
