Set on a 2.68-hectare site near Lake Wainamu in the Waitākere Ranges, this project represents a major milestone for Te Kawerau ā Maki. The development includes a wharenui and waharoa, wharekai, and ancillary rooms, alongside papakāinga housing for kaumātua and whānau. Additional elements such as a whakairo shed and spaces for cultural tourism will establish it as a vibrant, multifunctional hub.

Edward Ashby, CEO of Te Kawerau Iwi Tiaki Trust, explains:
“Te Kawerau ā Maki are the only iwi in the Auckland region without a marae and papakāinga. This project is about rebuilding our tūrangawaewae (place to stand), bringing our people home, and laying a strong foundation to safeguard our culture and wellbeing for future generations. Located in the heartland of the Waitākere Ranges, the project is built around the concept of kaitiakitanga and ecological sustainability while offering opportunities to engage with our manuhiri (community and visitors).”

Cato Bolam is honoured to partner with Te Kawerau ā Maki on this legacy initiative, providing planning, surveying, resource consents, and civil engineering expertise. The marae, papakāinga and landscape design (featured), by Monk Mackenzie and Uru Whakaaro, embodies sustainability principles, harmonising with and supporting the surrounding environment. Key collaborators on this project also include: LandLAB, Babbage, Enovate, and Gannon Fire and Risk.

This eco-marae and papakāinga housing development will not only serve as a tūrangawaewae for Te Kawerau ā Maki but also as a cornerstone of cultural and environmental stewardship in the Auckland region.

Click to view video about this project

*The images and concept art featured for this project were produced by Monk Mackenzie and Uru Whakaaro.