Te Wānanga: kūtai rope installation

An innovative design element that helps improve inner city water quality near the Downtown Ferry Terminal.

People are standing on the wharf area above the water where ropes hang beneath attached to columns of mussels beneath the water.
The kūtai rope installation can be seen beneath the ferry wharf area.
Photo credit: Auckland Transport
A metal fence-like structure surrounds a cut out in the floor of the wharf area where the mussel ropes can be seen clearly in the water.
The mussel ropes can be seen from viewing areas above.
Photo credit: Auckland Transport

Introduction

Auckland Council and Auckland Transport worked with mana whenua to deliver six projects that formed the Downtown Infrastructure Development Programme. Te Wananga emerged from this initiative as a space intended for learning, where people can come together. It is the site of the kūtai rope installation.

Background

Te Waitematā is a taonga tuku iho. The original sandstone landforms and historic coastal edge present in 1840 have been lost through successive land reclamations. This has had a negative impact on the natural marine and land ecosystems of the area.

The use of kūtai ropes demonstrates their ability to improve water quality. One mature kūtai can filter up to 200 litres of seawater a day by:

  • taking in phytoplankton for nutrition and
  • removing pollutants and bacteria.

At Te Wānanga, green-lipped kūtai are hung on thirty-eight ropes from six pontoons floating below the elevated decks of the wharf.

More of the mussel ropes can be seen from this perspective, along with mature pōhutukawa trees and tall city buildings in the background.
Te Wānanga
Photo credit: Auckland Transport

Auckland Council and mana whenua in partnership

Te Wānanga integrates public space with upgraded ferry infrastructure (including six new berths). Completed in 2021, this project transforms and revitalises the city centre’s connection with Te Waitematā.

The Long-Term Plan provided funding for the project with an investment of $350 million. These funds came from Auckland Transport and Auckland Council, and $42 million from Central Government.

Conventional infrastructure programmes usually use a linear consultation process to engage with mana whenua. Instead mana whenua were acknowledged as co-design collaborators. This collaborative approach provided a stronger appreciation of mana whenua values and design thinking contributions throughout the programme.

The name Te Wānanga was gifted by Zaelene Maxwell-Butler (Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki) on behalf of mana whenua and the programme.

The project provided an opportunity to feature practices and methods grounded in mātauranga Māori that heal and sustain the natural environment. A set of overarching design principles guided the design of Te Wānanga and the wider programme:

  • Mana whenua led design | Designing for excellence
  • Manaakitanga | Hosting, generosity
  • Auckland to Tāmaki Makaurau | An authentic Tāmaki Makaurau
  • Tāmaki Makaurau; Herenga Tāngata, Herenga Waka | Provide authentic stories of place
  • Taiao Whakaruruhau | Protection and enhancement of the environment
  • Mana Whenua Cultural Footprint | Celebrate mana whenua histories and futures of place

Restoring the mauri of Te Waitematā was the primary purpose of Te Wānanga.

The design of Te Wānanga was framed around a specific vision - ki uta, ki tai. It was inspired by the 'breath' of Tangaroa depicting the ebb and flow between tai timu and tai pari.

Mana whenua received technical advise to help deliver their aspirations as kaitiaki of Te Waitematā from:

  • Marine scientist Dr Jarrod Walker (Ngāpuhi)
  • the late Richelle Kahui-McConnell (Ngāti Maniapoto)
  • terrestrial ecologist Charmaine Baillie (Ngāti Whātua ki Kaipara/Te Uri o Hau).

The following iwi mana whenua participated and contributed:

  • Ngāi Tai Ki Tāmaki
  • Ngāti Maru
  • Ngāti Tamaoho
  • Ngāti Te Ata Waiōhua
  • Ngaati Whanaunga
  • Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei
  • Ngāti Whātua ki Kaipara
  • Ngāti Whātua Rūnanga
  • Te Ahiwaru
  • Te Ākitai Waiōhua
  • Te Patukirikiri
Seating and the outside of one of the mussel rope viewing areas are in the foreground with people, trees and high rise buildings in the background.
Te Wananga offers a place to rest and observe.
Photo credit: Auckland Transport.
Two adult and two juvenile red-billed gulls are spaced out along the top of a section of railing at the site of the project.
Two adult and two juvenile red-billed gulls enjoy the view.
Photo credit: Auckland Transport

Outcomes and benefits

The kūtai (mussel) ropes have improved the water quality and encouraged the return of seaweed and fish. In time, along with other measures, they will help reestablish the rich and extensive ecosystems once present across Te Waitematā.

Report damage

Visit the Auckland Transport website to report damage or issues at Te Wānanga. Select: Ferry / Let us know / Ferry terminal facilities. Please enter 'Downtown Ferry Terminal - Te Wānanga area' in the Location field.

Further information

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