Celebration planned for municipal building reopening
The connections between waterways and the people who live in Hastings have been brought to life as part of the overall transformation of the Toitoi municipal building, which will fully reopen from August 6.
Outside, along Heretaunga St, design elements have been laser-etched into the granite paving stones, depicting the former true course of the Ma¯kirikiri awa (river) that once flowed across the area and is now piped beneath the city streets.
Designed by artist Dena Bach of iwi Toi Kahungunu the depiction celebrates the Ma¯kirikiri and the people of this region, she said.
“The awa runs through this location and was redirected underground to make way for the buildings of an emerging Hastings city. The pa¯tiki (flounder) motif within the design recognises the bounty of Heretaunga and manaakitanga (hospitality, care and respect for others) for which Nga¯ti Kahungunu iwi and hapu¯ are renowned.”
Matthews & Matthews Architects were engaged to create the design concepts for the redevelopment of the building, as well as Functions on Hastings in Toitoi — Hawke’s Bay Arts and Events Centre.
Justin Matthews said it was an exciting opportunity to reimagine the significance of the local awa.
“The braided and woven patterns, representing the Ma¯kirikiri awa, tell the story of our local waterways being a life source for wha¯nau and the hapu¯ of Heretaunga.
“The awa patterns also tell the story of the many pathways in life that connect and bring people together to create and form communities. Dena prepared beautiful design concepts and together we developed them into the final design which has been surface etched into the paving stones.”
He said this project was a continuation of the design concepts for Functions on Hastings, which can be seen on the ceiling and Hastings St frontage.
The Municipal Building officially reopens on the weekend of August 6 and 7, with a range of community celebrations.
See www.toitoivenues.co.nz