The construction of Puke Ariki has reached a new stage, with the first fit-out contract having been let.

Local firm Gilcom Communications has won the tender for installing cabling for power, data and communications.

Says manager Puke Ariki Suzanne Porter: "For the last 18 months we've been working on the construction of the two wings of Puke Ariki, but this contract means that we're about to begin physical work on Puke Ariki's fit-out.

"It's great to reach this new stage of Puke Ariki's construction."

Ms Porter says the cabling tender is also important for another reason: the work will provide a crucial tool for Puke Ariki.

"We're combining our museum and library into one facility and making a significant proportion of the information stored here available through technology.

"When visitors inside or outside Puke Ariki decide to search the databases for a new publication, or to look for photos, archives or objects - or any number of other things - they'll be doing that through Gilcom's network installation."

Gilcom specialises in the supply of telecommunications systems to the Taranaki and Wanganui regions.

Ms Porter says it's great that the first fit-out contact has gone to a local firm. Fifty contracts for various parts of the fit-out will be let over the coming months.

The Puke Ariki tenders webpage is proving a bit hit, with more than 600 hits to date. Thirty-nine fit-out contracts are currently listed here, with the site indicating the dates registrations of interest are expected to open, at which time more detailed information is posted to the site for registrants to download.

Retrofitting of Puke Ariki's south wing (the former library building) is scheduled for completion by the end of June, while the north wing (on Pukeariki Landing) will be finished by the end of August.