**The Living Pā: A Sustainable Icon for Victoria University**

Tucked away in the heart of Wellington’s vibrant cultural landscape stands a beacon of sustainability and Maori heritage – the Living Pā, a three-storey building that promises to redefine the university experience. As part of the university marae, which includes the whare whakairo of Te Tumu Herenga Waka, this magnificent structure is not only aesthetically stunning but also embodies the values of environmental stewardship and community connection.

**A Journey of Sustainable Design**

The Living Pā was designed to be a net-zero energy building, powered entirely by solar panels that harness the city’s natural light. The innovative design incorporates extensive glazing, allowing for maximum natural light penetration while minimizing the need for artificial lighting. This not only reduces energy consumption but also creates an immersive and uplifting environment for users.

**A Maori Heritage Revitalized**

The name Ngā Mokopuna was unveiled during a karakia ceremony at 4:30 am, marking a significant moment in the building’s history. The original dining room of Te Tumu Herenga Waka, which opened 38 years ago, was reimagined as a modern hub for connection and community. Rawinia Higgins, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Māori), reflects on the significance of this revival: “Ngā Mokopuna is the original name of the dining room when they Te Tumu Herenga Waka opened 38 years ago today. And so they made a makeshift dining room inside one of the old villas that was here and Ngā Mokopuna was around all the descendants who would come and connect themselves to the wharenui.”

**A Team Effort**

The Living Pā is the result of an extraordinary collaborative effort, involving construction consultants, audio and visual equipment suppliers, and local contractors. Victoria University Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Māori), Rawinia Higgins, praises the team’s dedication: “Our mokopuna will come [to the Living Pā site], we have our own whakapapa here for the fact that their koro built it.”

**A Sustainable Future**

The overall cost of the project was $61 million, making it the second most sustainable building in New Zealand. The Building’s sustainability is a testament to the power of innovation and community-driven initiatives.

**Conclusion**

As we gaze upon the Living Pā’s sleek architecture and lush green surroundings, it becomes clear that this structure embodies more than just a sustainable design – it represents a new era of Maori heritage revitalization and environmental stewardship. The Living Pā serves as a shining example of what can be achieved when collaboration, creativity, and commitment to sustainability come together.

Victoria University Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Māori), Rawinia Higgins, sums up the significance: “It’s pretty emotional, pretty awesome just to see the final product and come to the end. This is the second most sustainable building in New Zealand so it’s pretty impressive.”

With its net-zero energy design, Maori heritage revival, and commitment to sustainability, the Living Pā stands as a beacon of hope for a greener future – one that weaves together community, culture, and environmental stewardship in perfect harmony.