Ohinemutu

Today was a "town day" for me with a haircut, shopping and a wonderful afternoon spent with a fellow photographer ...a sort of "play date" as we shared ideas of post processing.
Driving home remembered that I hadn't taken a photo so stopped at Ohinemutu, a beautiful marae (for the non maori, a centre for a maori whanau - or family) right on the shores of Lake Rotorua. It was established here many hundreds of years ago because of the geothermal area surrounding it, which provided the heat for cooking and bathing.
Today, although it is still the home of the tribe, it sees many tourists visiting the beautiful meeting house and St Faith's Church. On the outside the church has a tudor look but the interior features beautiful maori carvings and woven panels.
There is a large window overlooking the lake with the image of Jesus wearing a maori cloak, and from the inside it appears he is walking on the lake.
Photos are not allowed inside, but I took this shot from the outside, and you can see some of the exquisite paneling inside the building.