Waiaroha - Heretaunga Water Discovery Centre

This project is a response to the drinking water contamination crisis in Havelock North 2016. Following the incident, Hastings District Council sought solutions to provide clean drinking water to residents. Through many iterations and developments, the solution has manifested itself in Waiaroha.

The opportunity to use Waiaroha as an educational tool, creating a space where people can learn and understand the value of water. Māori cultural input has been a driving force behind the concepts with traditional Māori narratives and beliefs being influential in the forms, spaces and journeys created within Waiaroha.

It is a place to recognise and celebrate its spirituality and better understand the journey it takes from the mountains, across the plains to the aquifers and into our taps. The site houses two large waters tanks, a water treatment and storage facility educating people on the process obtaining safe drinking water, an education centre, an outdoor plaza and amphitheatre as well as beautiful landscaping and water pods. All these elements weave together to create an incredible education water facility that aids in ensuring the quality of safe drinking water for future generations.