The Living Pā: A Sustainable Haven for Victoria University’s Māori Community

The Living Pā, a three-storey building at Victoria University of Wellington, has been hailed as one of the most sustainable buildings in New Zealand. The facility is not only environmentally friendly but also holds significant cultural and historical value for the university’s Māori community.

The Story Behind the Name

The name Ngā Mokopuna was unveiled during a karakia ceremony at 4:30am on December 1, 2022. It marks a return to the original name of the dining room when Te Tumu Herenga Waka opened 38 years ago today. The term “Ngā Mokopuna” refers to the descendants who would come and connect themselves to the wharenui.

The building’s design and construction were led by the university’s Māori community, ensuring that it reflects their culture and values. The facility features a mix of sustainable materials, including timber and natural insulation, making it an eco-friendly addition to the university campus.

A Sustainable Haven

The Living Pā is not only environmentally friendly but also serves as a hub for Māori cultural activities and events. The building’s design includes a whare whakairo, or traditional Māori meeting house, which provides a sacred space for community gatherings and ceremonies.

Victoria University Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Māori), Rawinia Higgins, said, “Ngā Mokopuna comes with a mantra: mō te apōpō for a better tomorrow, for a better future. Nothing says that more than Ngā Mokopuna.”

The facility’s sustainable design and cultural significance make it an important addition to the university campus.

A Cost of $61 Million

The overall cost of the Living Pā project was $61 million, with contributions from various stakeholders, including construction consultants, audio and visual equipment providers, and more. The building is expected to serve as a model for sustainable design in New Zealand’s tertiary education sector.

A Second Most Sustainable Building in New Zealand

The Living Pā has been hailed as the second most sustainable building in New Zealand, following the University of Waikato’s Green Building. This achievement highlights the university’s commitment to creating environmentally friendly facilities that promote a healthier and more sustainable learning environment.

Quotes from the Team

Rawinia Higgins said, “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.”

Ratana Hohepa, project manager, added, “There’s a lot of timber, a lot of screws, it was just off the hook. Everyone was so proud to be here because they knew how big the job was.”

The Living Pā serves as a testament to Victoria University’s commitment to creating sustainable and culturally significant facilities that promote a healthier and more inclusive learning environment for its Māori community.

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