Te Mātāwai
A flagship supportive housing development in the centre of Tāmaki Makaurau, Te Mātāwai will set a new standard for Kāinga Ora, delivering real social, cultural and economic benefits for the community. The site at 139 Greys Avenue consists of three adjoining buildings – Waitapu, Waiora and Wainui. Wayfinding was required to connect those who will call this place ‘home’ to all the spaces and facilities it offers, with an outcome that is instilled with inclusivity and care.
Te Mātāwai has been developed in partnership with Mana Whenua, leading to a design that is structured around tikanga and the provision of housing with manaakitanga at its heart.
Kāinga Ora with Ngāti Whātua Ōrakei embraced an overarching vision honouring Waihorotiu, the stream which once had its headwaters beneath the project site. For early Māori, rivers were essential to life and held deep significance to tribal identity.
The calming, fluid movement of the Waihorotiu and the vitality of its native bush canopy above, inspire the design elements adopted by the wayfinding. Artworks designed by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei artist Katz Maihi adorn the signage suite, routed into the fluid formed timber. Manu | Bird artworks are used for level identification, signalling ‘home’. Wai | Water artworks feature on directional signage, referencing ‘flow’ and ‘movement’. Harekeke | Flax artworks represent connection, and are used to identify community areas.
