Ngāti Hine Health Trust provides integrated whānau ora services to the Northland community, and were wanting to create a "whānau hub" which featured a vast range of whānau meeting rooms, nurse consult rooms and a Hui space which can be used to welcome dignitaries and host events.
Ngāti Hine Health Trust is among the largest Māori health providers in Aotearoa New Zealand, offering whanau ora services to the Ngāti Hine region.
Our brief was to design a “whānau centre” on the lower level of Ngāti Hine Health Trust’s Torongare offices in Whangarei, in accordance with their vision of empowering whānau to find their voice, steady their footing, and enhance their well-being.
The narrative draws inspiration from the numerous mountains and hills of Ngāti Hine, which symbolise resilience, vitality, and safety. As the indigenous people of the land, Māori have a profound attachment to the land and the surrounding ecosystem, which is both physical and spiritual and plays a crucial role in their wellbeing. The design of the whānau centre was inspired by the natural surroundings of the Ngāti Hine rohe, including the maunga, the ngahere, the Taumarere river. Various elements of the centre, such as the colours, materials, form, and art, were chosen to reflect the connection between the environment and the people of Ngāti Hine. This approach was intended to pay homage to the origins and stories of the Ngāti Hine people.
Stakeholder Alignment
Workplace Strategy
Buildability Analysis
Client-Side Project Management
Concept Design
Consultant Engagement
Design Documentation / Detailed Design
Developed Design
Progressive Budgeting / Quantity Surveying
Technical Analysis
Tendering
Value Engineering
Compliance
Construction Project Management
Health & Safety
Site Management
Acoustic Solutions
Biophilia
Ceiling Treatments
Demolition
Flooring & Tiling
Furniture
Glazing & Partitioning
Interior Finishes & Painting
Kitchen Joinery
Lighting & Electrical
Wall Treatments
The design of the space was carefully crafted to align with the client’s values, with a layout that provides a calm and comfortable environment catered to the unique needs of whānau. Curved walls, screens, and flooring patterns were used to soften rooms and emulate the natural flows of the Taumarere, creating a welcoming and soothing atmosphere for visitors.
The Hui space was purposefully located to accommodate pōwhiri and was designed for hosting events and receiving distinguished guests. The outdoor foyer has a dedicated entrance to the space, which is accentuated with a custom designed ceiling system. The ceiling system uses a deep red colour that is inspired by the papa and reflects Ngāti Hine’s brand colour. The kaokao pattern is also used in the ceiling, which signifies strength and connects with various art pieces within the space.
A key factor to the success of this project has been the collaboration with local artists who have a deep understanding of the Ngāti Hine rohe and its people has been a crucial element in the success of this project. By involving the artists from the beginning of the design process, the art and architecture were able to complement each other and convey a cohesive narrative throughout the space. This approach also allowed for a deeper understanding of the cultural significance and meaning behind the artwork, which could be further integrated into the design. Ultimately, this collaborative effort ensured that the cultural narrative was not an afterthought, but an integral part of the design from the outset.
