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Architects: Tennent + Brown
- Area: 3000 m²
- Year: 2012
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Photographs:Paul McCredie
Text description provided by the architects. The design strategy uses the holistic model of Māori health- ‘Te Whare tapa Whā’ (the four sides of the house) -as a form generator for the building. This conceptual model addresses the need for physical (tinana), mental and emotional (hinengaro), spiritual (wairua), and social (whānau), aspects of life -all to be addressed and in balance for wellbeing. The design represents this model with a four folded roof creating spaces with associated functions leaning against the neutral form of the sports hall.
The whakataukī (proverb) that underlies Te Wānanga -“E kore āu e ngaro hē kākano i ruia mai i Rangiātea” (I will never be lost, the seed which was sown from Rangiātea)- is also expressed in the nohopuku space, being in the form of a kākano (seed).
The Kaupapa panels, sandblasted into the external sports hall walls were designed by Te Wānanga –O-Raukawa students. The project delivers a new type of learning centre focused on the aim of Te Wānanga to deliver sports, nutrition and lifestyle learning in an environment that embraces the wider community and gives expression to Tikanga Māori.
