Design for waterfront Fale Malae takes shape
The Fale Malae will be built within Frank Kitts Park on Wellington’s waterfront.
The sculptural roof is an abstract representation of two hands clasping together like those of a tau’olunga dancer.
The Fale Malae to be built in the capital city of Wellington will be a landmark for Pasifika cultural identity in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
A concept design has been released for the proposed Fale Malae on Wellington's waterfront, with backing from mana whenua, Pasifika leaders, Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington and the government.
The design, a collaboration between Jasmax, Dr. Albert Refiti, associate professor at AUT and research leader in the field of Pacific spatial and architectural environments, and fine artist Michel Tuffery, represents a significant step forward in the Fale Malae Trust’s plans to create a cultural landmark within the capital’s Frank Kitts Park.
Elisapeta Heta, principal and Kaihautū Whaihanga at Jasmax, says the Fale Malae “will hold Pasifika people, tangata moana, at its heart, but will be for all the people of Whanganui-a-Tara, of Aotearoa and of our moana nui.”
The sculptural roof form articulates two hands clasping together, like those of a dancer of the tau’olunga — the last dance in moana nui Pacific ceremonies. “This symbolises the important relationship between Aotearoa and tangata moana,” says Heta. “It also represents the coming together of tangata whenua and tangata moana, represented by the mirrored roof forms designed to protect and provide shelter.”
Chair of the Fale Male Trust Adrian Orr says the venue will provide an internationally significant space in which to celebrate New Zealand’s Pacific identity through arts, culture, economic development and education. “The design is a contemporary expression of thousands of years of rich architectural history and will be a fitting tribute to the nation,” he says.
The proposed site, opposite Whairepo Lagoon, is currently home to an earthquake-prone, underground car park, set for demolition.
Orr acknowledges the seismic problems that will need to be overcome in building the venue but says the Trust has the necessary engineering expertise on board to overcome these issues.
The project will be funded through a $10m contribution from central government, a $10m contribution from Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington, land contribution from Wellington City Council and funds raised by the Fale Malae Trust.
In September 2021, Wellington City Council endorsed, in principle, further investigation of the Fale Malae at Frank Kitts Park; it would sit alongside the proposed Chinese Garden of Beneficence. The Trust now plans to proceed with public consultation, resource consent and community fund-raising.
