Haumi e, hui e, taiki e: Join, Gather, Plait the layer of site - Sarah Hamilton

Design Intent: The structure of the design is based on the ecological and cultural forms specific to this site. The vistas through to the Urupa and the four pa site located around the valley generate the pedestrian pathways that link the resort complex with the community area. These pathways and the resort buildings cut into the proposed dune formations placed to recreate a coastal system. Re-vegetation of the site is also proposed to restore the coastal and coastal flats ecosystems as well as to create a more appropriate edge for the adjacent wetland. In turn this will create a unique setting for the resort. Overlaid onto this is the imagery of the rara (ribs) which bind the site elements together similar to the traditional Maori meeting house. These patterns are expressed through building alignment and planting.

The proposed resort has the capacity for 60 self-contained units, with facilities such as conference facilities, pools and a cultural interpretation centre on site. However, it is intended that this site can not only fulfil the resort function, but serve as a resource for local Maori to return to this valuable and significant site.