The design is shaped by cultural collaboration with Manawhenua Ki Mohua, representing Ngāti Tama, Ngāti Rārua, and Te Ātiawa. Artist Robin Slow worked with the team to embed symbolism into the eastern façade, drawing on the honu (sea turtle) as a metaphor for resilience and belonging. Honu and Anaweka Waka motifs are expressed through etched plaster and window details, alongside kōwhaiwhai patterns and elevated screens inspired by traditional pā palisades, reflecting themes of navigation, protection, and connection to place.
The building nestles into its coastal setting, its tones and textures echoing the layered limestone cliffs. Materials were chosen for durability and low carbon impact, ensuring resilience in a harsh marine environment while maintaining a light footprint.
North-facing spaces capture sunlight and coastal views, while service areas are tucked to the south. A deck and balcony extend the experience outdoors, offering vantage points to observe tides and weather. The Harbour Master’s viewing platform stands as a contemporary marker; honouring the site’s legacy as a meeting place for waka ama, fishing, and kai moana.
The building is future-proofed for sustainability, with solar panels installed on the roof.
Port Tarakohe’s new structure reflects the site’s layered history, from its industrial roots to its cultural significance, while looking ahead with purpose. It stands as a place of navigation, protection, and belonging.
