Multi Faceted Project
Victoria Park Tunnel Project
The $340m Victoria Park Tunnel (VPT) is one of seven state highway projects identified by the government as a road of national significance and as essential to New Zealand’s economic prosperity. VPT is the first of these projects to be constructed.
Myself and Lisa Reihana were contracted as Kupenga Design – iwi artists for the project. We were the design duo that integrated cultural aspirations into concrete, metal, glass, and footpaths throughout the project to ensure the integrity of cultural design was embedded within the location.
Egress Structures
Two egress structures sit above the tunnel; one is a fire fighting equipment resource and escape stairs in case of disaster, the second is an art lightbox with escape stairs. Both structures have a lashing component based on a tukutuku and waka lashing pattern. These egresses are located where there once was a shoreline. The lightbox holds an artwork reminiscent of the shoreline and Waitematā.
Te Tō Headland
Te Tō once an area of cultural significance, is where the Victory Christian Church is located now. The St Marys Bay walkway connecting Beaumont Street to Pt Erin passes over the headland, providing an opportunity to use art to share its historic narrative.
A flax pattern was the basis for the design that was worked into the retaining wall between the Church and motorway. The palisade style fencing where the walkway passes over the headland, and the whakatauki in incorporated into a low lying retaining wall. The whakatauki references the historic important of the Waitematā Harbour and Hauraki Gulf as an important fishing ground.
Other Projects
Full Cultural Integration
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
Rotorua Lakes Council
Exterior Pattern Design
Point Resolution Bridge - Pungarungaru
Warren & Mahoney
Walkway Bridge
Waikowhai Coastal Path
Auckland City Council