Takitimu Kura

Central to Māori performing arts education, the Takitimu Kura project endeavoured to create a wānanga for Ngati Kahungunu – all iwi in the East Coast region – and for takitimu waka – learners from the wider Pacific area. The whakairo designs, integral to the building itself were shaped around educator’s pedagogies and aspirations for their students’ achievements.

The Work

Like other cultures, Māori address their buildings with information and meaning for the occupants to learn from and enjoy. The wānanga epitomises the essence of Te Ara Hihiko – being able to ‘tell our stories in our places’. The artwork is woven into the structure of the facility, reflecting a deep connection between the physical learning environment and the curriculum.

Spanning 7 years, this project required meticulous planning and an approach to design challenges that resulted in exploring innovative techniques, such as burning wooden panels for preservation and a tactile, textured finish. The expressed stories authentically connect the foundations of the building with the matauranga and learning of our people.

Te Wānanga Te Whare Tapere o Takitimu now displays 55 exterior panels, glass glazing and interior artwork that fosters a sense of community and cultural identity. Each creation is intentionally conceived and crafted, offering an intersection of storytelling, cultural heritage and inquiry that inspires learners to be curious, ask questions and develop their own interpretation that resonates with their individuality.