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As dawn broke, the local community flocked together to catch sight of the capital’s new cultural landmark, Ngā Mokopuna, the Living Pā at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
With Ngā Mokopuna officially opening its doors to the community on December 6, 2024, it has brought a taste of what’s possible in the city if there is vision, care and a commitment to Te Tiriti says Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Māori), Rawinia Higgins (Tūhoe).
“As the first living building in the capital, Ngā Mokopuna is a vision of sustainability, infused with indigenous wisdom—a place for people to get inspired and be part of a thriving community. It sets an example to the nation about what can be achieved with aroha, wisdom and care.
“It’s taken many hands and minds to get it to this point, and we’re deeply grateful to everyone who has poured their heart and soul into it—from the architects, tradespeople, artists, gardeners, funders, and supporters, to everyone who turned out to celebrate the opening.”
Living Pā ambassador and advocate Justice Joe Williams has been intrinsic in supporting the creation of the new marae precinct.
“Ngā Mokopuna is a fundamental step in the right direction for mātauranga Māori scholarship. There is no other place in Aotearoa like this. Ngā Mokopuna reflects a commitment to nurturing future generations. It connects the past to the future. It’s a place for future descendants to find a home away from home—where they will find belonging, encouragement, inspiration, and wisdom,” he says.
As a living building, Ngā Mokopuna will be one of the world’s most sustainable civic constructions, with around only 30 buildings meeting these extremely high standards. It has a cutting-edge rainwater collection system and is net zero in energy, with photovoltaic panels on the roof generating 105 per cent of the building’s electricity needs, so it even gives back to the grid.
Aesthetically, the building has also been carefully considered. Designed by Tennent Brown Architects and built by LT McGuinness, its wooden interior features art by David Hakaraia, an award-winning Māori designer and the Deputy Head of Design at the University.
The building will become fully operational in December 2024, and public tours will be available early in 2025.
