We are proud to be recognised by The New Zealand Architect Awards by receiving the John Scott Award for Public Architecture.

Thank you to the incredible team at Toa Architects for their amazing talent and hard work that created Taumata o Kupe. Since we opened on November 12, 2022, we have collectively be humbled by the high praise and international acclaim we receive.

This years jury for the awards was Caro Robertson, Ari Stevens, Julie Stout and Patrick Kennedy who said:

“A dynamic expression of Kupe’s voyaging and navigation, Te Taumata o Kupe Nuku forms a new focal point for the marae of Hokianga hapū Te Māhurehure, and a platform from which to share and project ancient mātauranga (traditional knowledge). TOA Architects worked closely with Te Māhurehure to create a wide-reaching master plan for this complex site, realising a collective vision with Te Taumata o Kupe at its heart. A clear framework for future development has been initiated, including provision for community-focused service providers and a recently completed papakāinga. Te Taumata o Kupe Nuku has significantly enriched the community fabric, honouring its past while shaping its future. This award acknowledges the extraordinary contribution of a design that has grown out of, and for, the community it serves.”

Te Whānau o Waipareira Rōpū Kaumātua chose Te Mahurehure Marae to celebrate their 2024 Christmas lunch, alongside Hoani Waititi kaumātua.

After a delicious lunch they enjoyed presentations including a long service award for Whaea Waki Moses; Marion Tenaia received unexpected recognition for her support for rōpu Chair, Albie Tepania; and there was also a celebrations for Matua Jim Te Wiki’s graduation from his full immersion Rumaki Reo programme.