Waiaroha is an award-winning civic complex in Hastings. It is a world first for combining education, Māori world views, community engagement and place-making. It is a ‘wonder of water’ in a sustainable green space built around a state-of-the art drinking water treatment plant.
The education and civic centre was built featuring mass timber and glass. This project had significant mana whenua involvement with cultural elements and storytelling through design and construction of buildings as well as the landscaped setting which was designed around the land and sea narrative including formation of the 3 river ways and foreshore/ coastal region.
The projects architectural elements throughout the building are very much featured into the landscaping works and cultural elements.
Many architectural features such as the exposed large, laminated mass timber structure using LVL, CLT and Glulam.
A strong Māori influence with Pou and Māori carvings crafted by talented mana whenua, all carefully positioned into place by Gemco.
Installation of interactive educational resources within the education centre and the external play, rest and learn experience.
