Indigenous brands, Maori business, Kaupapa Growth and innovation, collaborative pilot projects, culture connection and exchange, design enabled economic, culturally enriched.
Collaboration of Architecture and Landscape Architecture to provide a place-based Maori Cultural Centre in Whangarei
Location:
Whangarei
Iwi:
Ngapuhi
Nga Aho practitioner:
Phil Wihongi
Other participants:
David Keys - Project Management; Craig Moller/Gordon Moller, Moller Architects; Jane Nalder/Marc Tomes, Boffa Miskell Landscape Architects
The proposed design for the Hihiaua Cultural Centre represents the vision of the Hihiaua Cultural Centre Trust, which is to create a high quality centre of excellence to display, demonstrate and promote Whangarei’s Maori culture and arts. Situated at the foot of Parihaka in Whangarei’s Town Basin, the Centre is to occupy a powerful position within Whangarei’s land, harbour, river and skyscapes and strongly references the manawhenua landscape.
The design concept has been prepared by a design consortium with the guidance of the Trust and kaumatua, and strict adherence to an agreed Statement of Design Intent and Vision. The design concept for the Centre proposes a number of flexible buildings and spaces which will speak of and to the site and its wider physical, social and cultural contexts.
Final funding for the project is currently being sought.