Murihiku Marae Redevelopment (Wharekai)
Awards:
NATIONAL COMMERCIAL AWARDS - SILVER AWARD 2024
Entrant
Henderson Construction
Project Partners
Beca (Engineer), Boon Ltd (Architect/Designer), Henderson Construction Limited (Construction Company), Southern Quantity Surveyors (Project Manager)
Owned By
Waihōpai Rūnaka Incorporated
The Murihiku Marae redevelopment is a testament to culturally sustainable construction practices, with a design mimicking the form of a tohora (whale). The new facilities, including a wharekai/ dining area, commercial kitchen, meeting spaces and multipurpose rooms, serve the local iwi’s cultural, educational, and civil defence needs, embodying a significant step forward for future generations. Safety measures were planned with precision, incorporating daily briefings and comprehensive site inductions that included cultural respect and sustainability alongside standard health and safety protocols. This holistic approach to safety and cultural sensitivity contributed significantly to the project's positive work environment and achievement of social objectives.