Rich environment for ‘very proud iwi’

Te Kura o Te Whānau a Apanui at Omaio on East Cape won an award at the New Zealand Institute of Architects annual awards ceremony in Wellington last night. The award citation described the new build as a “very special place”. Pictures supplied

A kura at Omaio, south of Te Kaha, has been recognised by Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects at its annual awards ceremony.

The awards took place at St James Theatre, in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington last night.

Te Kura o Te Whānau a Apanui won a New Zealand Architecture Award in the Education category.

The Auckland firm DCA Architects of Transformation teamed up with MOAA Architects of Hamilton to design the winning complex.

The brand new kura came about after the closure of three East Coast schools —Raukokore, Te Kura o Omaio and Te Whanau a Apanui Area School.

Planning began in 2018, with the design team supported by cultural advisers Rau Hoskin, architect, and Dean Whiting, an artist with iwi connections to the area.

“The success of any kura is critical to empowering our future generations,” the awards jury citation said.

“Those who are lucky to work and study here will connect with their whakapapa and be enriched by the experience. This project is an exemplar of how to meet adversity head on and with tenacity, consultation and understanding from the 13 hapu; it has resulted in a rich environment for a very proud iwi.

“Three gable roof forms with generous verandas have their leylines* oriented to places of significance and also tell the story of the three schools, previously stretched over many kilometres of coastline, that have combined to become one. The careful relocation of four existing pou, together with paving, screens, carving and brickwork treatment, continue a strong narrative about this very special place.”

* Leylines are straight alignments drawn between historic structures, prehistoric sites and prominent landmarks. The idea was developed in early 20th century Europe, with leyline believers arguing that these alignments were recognised by ancient societies that deliberately erected structures among them.