Te Maharatanga o Ngā Wai /Remembering our waters - case study

Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland Council’s Phil Wihongi and Barbara Holloway partnered with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and landscape architect, Alan Titchener, to design an engaging and inclusive public space - Te Maharatanga o Ngā Wai. Situated on the corner of Sale Street and Wellesley Street West, the project trialled a new kaupapa Māori design-led approach and represents an authentic partnership between iwi and local government.

We see the corner of Wellesley and Sale street at dawn; people are gathered around a public artwork with a light installation next to it. On this is the word "kapua". This is the blessing of the artwork where people can sit and reflect. IN the background is the Auckland skyline with hotels, cranes and the sky tower.

Grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles, working in this way arose from Phil and Barbara’s shared passion for place, whakamanatanga (empowering others), and creating opportunities for mana whenua and Māori in local government mahi.

The methodology drew on a foundation of strong relationships and the individual and collective understanding and knowledge of the project team. It was also strengthened by a shared understanding of the natural narrative of the place –its heritage, history, people and culture.

Te Maharatanga o Ngā Wai is a corner site situated near the intersection of Sale Street and Wellesley Street West in central Tāmaki Makaurau. It’s neighbours are commercial and residential buildings and a large public car park, it is also a heavy pedestrian route for people traveling to homes and workplaces.

Pre-colonisation, the site featured a natural awa (stream) that drained the western flanks of the adjacent natural ridgeline and entered into Waiatarau/ Freemans Bay, all important features that have been lost beneath to Auckland’s urban growth. These waters still run and exist within the natural watercycle and memory of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.

This recognition formalised the overarching design kaupapa, driving the physical and digital outcomes: Te Maharatanga o Ngā Wai – remembering our waters.