Through co-design and engaging indigenous knowledge and practices within the design process, the 5ha public space is being transformed from its petro-chemical past into a healthy and thriving coastal environment.

Te Ara Tukutuku is more than just a public space — it’s a vision. Te Ara Tukutuku is a waka metaphor for the binding of the land and the sea, and provides an elegant link between the domains of Tangaroa (the ocean), Tāwhirimātea (wind and atmosphere) and Papatūānuku (Mother Earth).

This project creates a new culturally, environmentally, and socially driven space that binds together whenua (land), moana (sea), and tāngata (people). Te Ara Tukutuku will emerge over time through the interweaving of Mana Whenua-led initiatives that integrate maatauranga, science, infrastructure, design, and place-making.

The vision for Te Ara Tukutuku is to create a living green open space perched on Te Waitematā harbour, a space to reconnect and rebind the relationship between Tangaroa (the ocean) and Papatūānuku (Mother Earth), connecting people back to the water.

The project will deliver the largest new open space in the city centre in 100 years. However, it will be a shift away from regular public space as we know it – including a ngahere (forest), outdoor classrooms, whare waka and waka ramp (community infrastructure for the storage and launching of traditional canoes), marine restoration in action, education opportunities, elevated headland, and places to pause and take a breath. This will be a space for everyone.

The design reimagines the original waterfront landscape, shaping a sophisticated topography and coastal edge inspired by headlands and bays. It creates diverse open spaces and experiences, transforming Te Ara Tukutuku into a thriving, resilient ecological landscape reflecting the rich history and future potential of the space.

Regenerative practice is at the heart of LandLAB's Te Ara Tukutuku mahi (work). They are taking a holistic approach to the health and wellbeing of whenua (land), moana (ocean), wai (water), and tāngata (people), and how they interconnect. Mauri tu, mauri ora epitomises the holistic health and wellbeing for these ecosystems to heal and regenerate together. For one to thrive, the others must too.

This collaboration is setting a new global benchmark in regenerative landscape design, proving that when indigenous leadership guides our cities, we build places that resonate with meaning and belonging. Through interactive, education-based activations, the site is evolving into a living expression of ecological care, social resilience, and community healing.