Whangarei Library

Whangarei Public Library was Northlands largest civic project at the time, some 3600m2 delivered through a Design Build contract with local contractor Kerr Construction. The design process was significantly informed through community and Mana Whenua engagement, the work with Hapu and local artists became integral to the architecture.

The main concept of He Kete Wānanga , acknowledges an important Maori creation story where Tanenuiarangi climbed the ‘aka matua’ or sacred vines to heaven in order to bring down three ‘kete wananga’ or baskets of knowledge to enlighten the people, The two central staircases leading to the upper floor are a representation of the two ‘aka matua’ or sacred vines,  The landscape placement of the ‘pou’ or knowledge sticks through which the knowledge from the ‘kete wananga’ was broken down into manageable pieces and distributed to the people . 

 “Justin did a superb job of making sure a number of differing points of view were taken into account, often smoothing the way in situations where conflict could easily have arisen. His communication was excellent and he was very responsive to any requests made (however unreasonable), suggesting solutions and finding a way through some difficult areas”.- Pauline Rose WDC Client Delivery Lead.

Justin delivered Whangarei Library as project architect from preliminary design through the design build construction with Jasmax, receiving NZIA Local Award , Creative New Zealand Built Environment Award, The Pou project recognized by the Race Relations Conciliator.