Te Kura o Tapu Te Ranga: Waharoa

Gateway grounded in Tapu Te Ranga narratives

Overview

A waharoa for Island Bay School that anchors the kura in the stories of Tapu Te Ranga—guided by mana whenua Te Āti Awa and Ngāti Toa, and acknowledging historic connections with Ngāi Tara and Ngāti Ira—welcoming learners and whānau into a place of belonging.

Approach

Designed and fabricated in collaboration with the school and mana whenua representatives, the gateway interprets local narratives into pattern, form, and orientation. Materiality and detailing are tailored to the site and daily school use, featuring durable finishes and crafted elements that convey the story visibly and respectfully.

Outcomes

A culturally resonant threshold that teaches through form, strengthens school identity and daily ritual, and provides a long‑lasting marker of Tapu Te Ranga values for students, whānau, and visitors.