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Pacific

Te Wānanga – Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland)

Located at the meeting point of Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) city centre and Te Waitematā (Waitematā harbour), Te Wānanga is one of the new public spaces transforming our city centre waterfront. A design partnership with Mana Whenua (local Māori authorities) elevated design thinking to deliver a project that expresses local identity, culture history and aspirations for the future. This thinking brought a strong mauri (life force) focus to improving land and marine-based ecological health through the project. Te Wānanga has been designed as an ‘elevated tidal shelf’ which provides space for human, cultural and natural ecologies to interact.

Te Wānanga – Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland)

CROSS-CUTTING SECTORS

Urban planning, Transport, SDGs, Communities, Good Health, Wellbeing

ORGANISATION(S)

Auckland Council, Auckland Transport and Mana Whenua (local Māori authorities)

PROJECT OVERVIEW 

Located at the meeting point of Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) city centre and Te Waitematā (Waitematā harbour), Te Wānanga is one of the new public spaces transforming our city centre waterfront. A design partnership with Mana Whenua (local Māori authorities) elevated design thinking to deliver a project that expresses local identity, culture history and aspirations for the future. This thinking brought a strong mauri (life force) focus to improving land and marine-based ecological health through the project. Te Wānanga has been designed as an ‘elevated tidal shelf’ which provides space for human, cultural and natural ecologies to interact. Kutai (mussels) secured below the deck provide habitat and food for marine fauna, improve water quality and provide a tangible means for educating the public on the need to care for and improve the mauri of Te Waitematā. Compact groves of coastal forest restore endemic taonga (treasured/important) species and create beautiful shady spots for people to enjoy as they relax. These groves play an important regenerative role, incorporating plants and associations from the original ecosystem of this area to re-introduce habitat and food for native fauna. Te Wānanga provides a valuable blueprint for future urban public realm development in Tāmaki Makaurau. Click here and here for more information.

RELEVANCE TO THE CALL TO ACTION ON SUSTAINABLE URBANISATION ACROSS THE COMMONWEALTH

These examples have been chosen because of their relevance to the Call to Action, as shown by the direct quotes provided below. To view the Call to Action click here.

  • “Cities are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions and where the impacts of climate change are experienced acutely.”
  • “Cities and human settlements are responsible for ensuring delivery of essential services including water, sanitation, healthcare, education, public transport, and housing, upon which their citizens depend.”
  • “Sustainable urbanisation requires a commitment to good governance, integrated planning, effective service delivery together with fiscal and political empowerment.”

THIS EXAMPLE HAS BEEN PROVIDED BY

Auckland Council