We are super-proud of our newest downtown space: Te Wānanga.
You’ll find it on the seaward side of Quay Street at the epicentre of downtown.
Richly meaningful design elements brought to the space by talented mana whenua kaimahitoi (artists) sit alongside preserved pieces of our past, dating back more than a century. Together they create a ‘uniquely Tāmaki Makaurau’ space.
To help you discover the many layers of uniqueness, we’ve compiled a list:
What’s in a name?
The name Te Wānanga was provided by mana whenua as part of the design partnership between Auckland Council, Auckland Transport and mana whenua. It conveys aspirations for a place for residents and visitors of all ages to come together, enjoy, share and learn. In the words of mana whenua: ‘It’s a place of learning, bringing together elements like Para Kore (resource optimisation), raranga (weaving) and whakairo (carving). It is also a learning place for sea ecology.’
Organic shape
Te Wānanga is designed to reflect the feeling of being on a rocky tidal shelf, with apertures seeming like rock pools and steel balustrades styled like giant kina shells. The space takes its organic shape from the sandstone headlands of the Waitematā Harbour.
Marine and terrestrial habitats
Walk through a coastal grove of mature pōhutukawa and at the foot of the trees, see rongoa (medicine) species and harakeke (flax) plentiful in the gardens which beckon birds, insects and gecko.
Look deep into the water and view lines of kūtai (mussels) attached to the underside of the deck. Providing habitat and food for sea life and improving water quality, they are a living example of the importance we place on caring for the mauri (essence) and mana (standing / respect) of Te Waitematā.
Mahi toi
Run your fingers over the extraordinary work of Reuben Kirkwood (Ngai Tai ki Tāmaki) who has created and engraved a unique expression of Te Wairere into the timber handrails, a linking design element that extends across the downtown area. Te Wairere is a contemporary rendering of a traditional manaia form. Look out for him in other forms and materials in Quay Street and in the nearby Te Ngau o Horotiu ferry infrastructure.
Renowned artist and weaver Tessa Harris (Ngai Tai ki Tāmaki) has woven the handrails with natural fibre in a design unique to Te Wānanga. The binding design is an expression of toki (adze) and reflects waka which were traditionally crafted by toki. Both artists worked with Isthmus who designed Te Wānanga in partnership with mana whenua.
