Waka Māori

Located at the Te Wero Island on Auckland’s waterfront, the Waka Māori became an icon of national pride during the Rugby World Cup 2011 and reminded New Zealand of our unique Māori heritage.

The Waka Māori had over 300,000 manuhiri (visitors) during its stay at the Rugby World Cup 2011 finals and acted as a viewing gallery and performance space as well as housing the Rau Tau exhibition – 100 Years of Māori Rugby. The Artisan Village also showcased Māori creative talents in raranga (weaving), whakairo (carving), tā moko (tattooing) and contemporary arts and crafts in a way that allowed the audience to engage with the culture.

Photography: Jonny Davis

Details

• Client: Te Puni Kokiri Ministry of Maori Development

• Location: Te Wero Island, Auckland Waterfront

• Floor Area: 501 sq.m

• Programme: Civic

• Consultants: Renata Blair and Ngarimu Blair, Evitan Events, Structureflex, Compusoft Engineers, Wallace Project Management, Te Puni Kokiri, Ministry of Culture and Heritage, Ngati Whatua o Orakei, and Admark Graphics.

• Collaborators: Opus Architecture

• Contractor: Longveld Engineering

• Status: Completed October 2011