Te Maatu Resurgence Nature’s Course | Embracing Dynamic Landscapes

Design Intent: Te Maatu Resurgence responds to the ever-changing intertidal landscape through embracing the power of nature. It is a performative and transformative landscape that supports the people, whenua, and moana in multiple ways. The design protects, restores, and connects natural habitats that offer respite from the built intensity of the once residential streets. Included are walkways suspended above rich vegetated forests, rest and picnic spots with elevated ocean views, a low-level cable car system, and site-responsive saltwater pools. The design incorporates historical remnant buildings and structures from the times before coastal inundation. Some of these buildings have been left in a state of decay, adding adventure to the process of discovery and sentimental value to the lives and stories that came before. Preserving the coast’s history and cultural heritage is crucial to maintaining the essence of the place. The proposed walkway system with diverse public destinations will allow ample access to the sea, provide an enriched coastal experience, and serve both local communities and visitors to the region in all seasons.