Conceptual ‘cultural footprint’ designs demonstrate how the strategies could be implemented for key places such as the three main villages along Dominion Road, bus interchanges, side streets, parks and thresholds.
Traditional designs and stories are referenced in many design elements, and ideas for acknowledging and enhancing the underlying natural environment developed through proposed stream daylighting and widening, stormwater treatment projects, stream restoration and urban wetlands.
As part of the Ngā Maunga me nga whenua tata (Maunga and the Surrounding Landscape) theme, two design motifs were conceived:
- Whākiri weaving designs - Woven mats have a universal symbolic meaning of welcome and hospitality;
- The native bird narrative - The landscape that Dominion Road traverses once contained thriving habitats for native bird life including kererū, kākā and tūī.
Ngā Hua whenua (Vegetation) theme was expressed by a proposed planting palette of native trees and ground level species to connect the current urban landscape with the former natural landscape, provide a distinct character, and positively contribute to improving the environment, water, habitat potential and quality of natural resources.
The strategy around Ngā Wai (Water) sought to improve the status quo of water quality management along Dominion Road. The plan identified locations for specific intervention and opportunities, along with detailed rationale for including water as a priority in the design.
Our landscape architects worked with mana whenua and the wider project team to develop the Hinaki Bridge concept design. The design references the woven flax eel traps used by Māori in the creek.
The bridge shows the craftsmanship of traditional Maori weaving patterns for eel traps traditionally used along Oakley Creek, reinterpreted into modern steel fabrication. The bridge also showcases the cultural story of Tuna Roa.
