Project Description

This would be a place where people could recite and receive mātauranga Māori, particularly that associated with Kupe, the legendary Polynesian navigator and explorer acknowledged by some iwi as the discoverer of Aotearoa… The building’s sweeping, organic form embodies the dynamism of Kupe’s waka as it sailed towards Aotearoa. The glazing is like a sail, with the reflection of the shifting sun and clouds making the building appear to move like a waka across the ocean.

The diagonal black wind brace on the front façade follows the form of stays used on Māori sails, and the glass’ inward tilt and angles on the red barge suggests the movement of the sails and rudders.

Jury Citation:

Caro Robertson, Ari Stevens, Julie Stout and Patrick Kennedy:

“A dynamic expression of Kupe’s voyaging and navigation, Te Taumata o Kupe Nuku forms a new focal point for the marae of Hokianga hapū Te Māhurehure, and a platform from which to share and project ancient mātauranga (traditional knowledge). TOA Architects worked closely with Te Māhurehure to create a wide-reaching master plan for this complex site, realising a collective vision with Te Taumata o Kupe at its heart. A clear framework for future development has been initiated, including provision for community-focused service providers and a recently completed papakāinga. Te Taumata o Kupe Nuku has significantly enriched the community fabric, honouring its past while shaping its future. This award acknowledges the extraordinary contribution of a design that has grown out of, and for, the community it serves.”

Project team:

Nicholas Dalton, Daniel Lewis, Grant Bulley, Kaitlyn Gruber, Diego Silva, Alena Milne, Matekitātahi Rāwiri, Darrell Turner, Matangireia Yates-Francis.

toa.net.nz

The New Zealand Architecture Awards receive generous support from Resene, a steadfast sponsor of the program since 1991, and APL, which commenced its sponsorship of the awards in 2021.