AUT Marae

Community
Written By Editor Walker

Auckland, New Zealand

This city based Marae has become a significant feature of the campus and City.

 
The wharenui on the corner of St Paul's and Wellesley Streets, with the city behind it
 
Carved maihi and koruru, made by Māori craftsmen
 
The original perspective drawing, showing the marae set into the city block
 
The ātea, with the curved seating wall that makes the courtyard a sheltered place
 
Carved pou standing in the courtyard, with the wharenui beyond
A second perspective drawing, showing the roofs and the parking below
A carved pou in detail, with paua inlaid at the eye
 
The interior perspective of the wharenui, drawn during design
 

This city-based AIT Marae is prominently sited on the corner of St Paul’s and Wellesley Streets and faces directly onto Symonds Street. The desire to develop an AIT Marae grew over many years, and in 1994 a working party was convened consisting of AIT Maori groups and other stakeholders.  As a result, a Marae that was appropriate for AIT purposes was completed soon after, with Walker Community Architects as project leaders.

The scope of the project comprised the Marae and courtyard development with lower-level car parking, as well as all servicing requirements, and fencing and landscaping to create the sheltered environment required. 

The project was successfully tendered and constructed during 1996 and 1997, and with the addition of traditionally carved barge boards, panels and posts produced by Maori craftsmen the building has become a significant feature of the campus and city.

Project

Location: City Central, Auckland

Status: Completed

Editor Walker
Previous

Natadola Resort
Next

Long Bay Market