Te Iwitahi Whangārei Civic Centre

After an extensive preliminary building form study the final design chosen, a tee plan form, was the most efficient necessary to reduce the number of support columns and their average 25 metre driven steel pile foundations.

With large floor plates and spread over 4 levels, the plan is arranged around a 4-storey height atrium that is the anti-room to the Council Chamber. All of the public access functions and the Council’s activities are located on the ground floor. Included in this area are additional rooms for board community use and a Hapu Suite with after hours independent access.

Councils’ growth anticipates 470 staff will work from the 3 upper levels arranged in open plan clusters for maximum flexibility. The design expression is derived quite directly from its exposed steel structure and concrete construction and features mostly NZ sourced building materials with basic treatment.

Biophylic principles enliven the workspace while the building enjoys extensive views over the surrounding ranges and adjoining park anchored by the two open air green wall stairs, designed to encourage staff activity with generous landings and Corten window box features.

The building itself reflects multi-cultural themes, Tikanga Māori and transparency to demonstrate democracy in action. Te Iwitahi attained the Supreme Award at the 2024 New Zealand Commercial Project Awards, and Gold in the Commercial category at the 2024 NZIA Local Awards.