Matakohe Architecture + Urbanism is a kaupapa Māori design studio based in Te Tai Tokerau
Our approach is design-focussed and community-led. As designers we believe our role to be that of skilled facilitator and interpreter rather than artist or author, drawing upon our technical, social and cultural expertise to empower people to take a pivotal role in the design of their own communities. We see ourselves as instigators, facilitators and connectors.
We support Māori communities and organisations to progress their marae, papakāinga, whenua development projects by combining cultural and technical expertise to co-create a design process that takes into consideration the history, culture and aspirations of the community, allowing for maximum input and engagement, and providing the expertise and assurance required to support effective decision-making.
We also work with mana whenua groups to contribute to culturally appropriate and environmentally, socially and economically sustainable development within their rohe, including public space, civic, commercial and education projects. Through planning, architectural design, technical assistance and research, our services help iwi, hapū, whānau and mataawaka communities (at the invitation of mana whenua) to exercise mana motuhake and realise their own aspirations for their physical environments.
Since 2022, our architectural team have been working on a redevelopment plan to enhance the facilities at Tau Henare Marae to better serve its community. The vision of Tau Henare Marae is to demolish the existing ablutions block and rebuild in its place a modern ablution block with laundry facilities, a new health clinic, an office space and kuia & kaumātua rooms.
The new Whangārei Boys’ High School campus was officially opened in October 2022, with students and staff moving into their new facilities in April 2022. The historically significant Whangārei Boys’ High School is one of the oldest in Northland, sharing its origins with Whangārei Girls’ High School (collectively formerly known as Whangārei High School). The school has a long history of excellence and pride, which the school wanted to honour whilst also forming new traditions in alignment with the school’s values.
The Puketona Junction roundabout that joins SH10 and SH11 was part of a road intersection safety improvement project, led by Waka Kotahi - New Zealand Transport Agency. Our team was approached by Ngāti Rāhiri-Ngāti Kawa to assist in integrating their kōrero relating to the site.
The proposal is for an accommodation facility for tai tamariki, associated with education and training in Kaikohe. The facility will provide accommodation, pastoral support and mentoring for youth aged 16-24 in the Far North, as well as strengthening the faith-based community associated with Ihaia Church.
This project is a joint initiative of the Dargaville Racing Club, the Dargaville Community Development Board and Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua (the Tripartite Group). Matakohe have worked collaboratively with The Urban Advisory to develop the masterplan for a proposed mixed-use development, including a retirement village, affordable housing and light industrial activities on the 46.7 hectare former racecourse site.
Kamo High School in Whangārei caters for students in Years 9 to 13. Of the 890 students currently enrolled, 50 percent are Māori and two percent have Pacific heritage. The project involves the redevelopment of the South-West edge of the site, along Kamo Rd and adjacent the sports fields. This includes the relocation of and existing relocatable building, removal of the existing whare, demolition of existing student support building, and the development of a new 2-storey classroom block, whare and courtyard.