Whakapapa and Ngahere
In 2013 Pollen and FosterMelville Architects collaborated to deliver an example of a truly integrated landscape architecture. The new building and grounds for Whitireia Polytech’s Wikitoria Katene Nursing Campus incorporates form, motif and plantings referencing local iwi Ngati Toa whakapapa and core values.
The taniko motif folds from the facades into the landscape creating wayfinding seating and garden beds. The concrete reliefs were designed by local artist James Molnar.
Part amenity planting and part coastal restoration the planting scheme references the myth of Maui and Mahuika.
When Māui stole ahi from the fire goddess Mahuika, her last act of rage sent embers flying into the trees Tōtara, Pukatea, Māhoe and Kaikōmako. As if they still contain these embers, these trees provide the best wood with which to kindle a fire today.
Kaikomako, Māhoe and Pukatea were used extensively in these plantings to support the Ngati Toa core value of ahikā, the burning fires of occupation that symbolise, title, whakapapa and the succession of knowledge through generations.
These trees were eco-sourced from the remnant stand of Kaikōmako on the Whitireia headland. Kaikōmako translates literally as Food of the Bellbird. The divaricating juvenile form seen here will eventually give way to a clean-trunked mature tree. In this super-exposed site, you can expect a very characterful tree with a wicked wind shear in years to come. They’re on the slow burn.
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