The Manukau Civic Centre is now fully open after several years of restoration.
Among the many celebrating the opening on 20 August were mana whenua, Manukau Ward Councillor Alf Filipaina and Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board members.
The refurbishment of the Manukau Civic began in 2022 to provide improved working spaces for kaimahi (staff) and the expansion and revitalisation of the west annex for the Ōtara Papatoetoe Local Board.
Manukau Ward Councillor Alf Filipaina shares, “A sincere thank you to the Auckland Council corporate team for their outstanding efforts in the Civic Centre's complete refurbishment, mana whenua for their enriching storytelling and stunning Maori designs, the hardworking builders, and all contributors have done an incredible job.
“I’d also like to commend the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board for their forward-thinking approach to ensuring this revitalised space becomes a valuable community resource.”
Manukau Ward Councillor Alf Filipaina speaking at the opening.
Acknowledgement is given to Mana Whenua for infusing Māori design and storytelling into the building’s prominent spaces such as:
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main entrance to the West Annex has lighting arranged to represent Rehua (the husband of Matariki) in the summer constellation of Scorpius. This constellation acknowledges the summer constellation rather than the winter constellation of Matariki.
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Further, the flooring design represents the nearby Puhinui stream, which flows into the Manukau harbour. The orange designs are flounder that swim in the Puhinui.
L-R: board members Li’amanaia Lorenzo Kaisara, Topou Folau, Cr Alf Filipaina, chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia, and board members Ashraf Choudhary, Albert Lim.
Board chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia says, “These are public buildings, paid for by our ratepayers, for the benefit of all people, so naturally we wanted our community to feel welcome in these new spaces that belong to them. For some, this is the first time they've been in our Council buildings. These civic spaces are all our spaces.”
The Manukau Civic Centre refurbishment includes:
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refurbished workspaces and meeting rooms on Levels 1-8, a new ground floor reception and Te Kāuta cafée
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complete revitalisation of the Manukau western annex for the board, featuring iwi Māori design elements throughout
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enhanced heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and lighting throughout the building
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new wellness and faith rooms
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installed ground-floor security gates, revamped basement with a new workspace for the Mail and Print team, plus upgraded end-of-trip facilities featuring bicycle parking, showers, and changing room
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added electric vehicle charging stations in the basement.
Upgraded office space.
The Centre isn’t available for booking or venue hire just yet, but the local board is actively working on making it possible. Stay tuned for updates!
Watch the video of our grand opening here.
Opening day.
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