Tīramarama Way Opening
Tīramarama: to shine; to glimmer; to light the way. On a cold, foggy, late-June morning, Wā and the project team gathered for the dawn blessing of Tiramarama Way. The misty haze across the city provided a fitting atmosphere for the innovative, playful place. After walking the new laneway, those in attendance enjoyed the blessing beneath Māhutonga (the southern cross), as it is recalled in the catenary lighting that references Māori and Pacific navigational cosmology.
Later at the afternoon opening, the team saw the laneway in a different light; less icy cold and more winter sun. As the sun shone onto the textured pavement and purposeful puddles, the public started to discover and explore their newest destination in the Wynyard Quarter. The purposeful puddles were immediately popular and the playful interaction with these was dramatically enriched by the two water jet features. A dog called Cedric took a real shine to the timber stools and a child was seen hugging them. The Nikau Grove at the western entry formed a natural focal point for congregation, which was complemented by native bird song, instruments and tidal sounds from a new sound sculpture by artist Lisa Reihana, who was also a key part of the collaborative design team for Tiramarama Way.
Wā are excited about this place and we want to again extend our congratulations to all those involved in its realisation. We can’t wait to see how Tiramarama Way evolves and how the public enjoy such a unique part of Wynyard Quarter and the city.
Project Team Lead Consultant Landscape Architects – Wā Megan Wraight, Diccon Round, Nick Jones and Nathan Young Collaborating Artist – Lisa Reihana Civil and Structural Engineers – Beca, James Ring Electrical Engineers – eCubed, Mark Kessner Hydraulic Design – H2O, Matt Pickford Project Management – MPM, Monique Sullivan & Jamie Kaio |