Te Hono - walking the talk with 5 star Green Star
08 October 2025
- Avondale
- Sustainability
Setting a New Benchmark for Sustainable Public Spaces.
We were delighted to work with the New Zealand Green Building Council to showcase why Te Hono is a model for what’s possible when sustainability is woven into every decision.
Instead of demolishing five old buildings, the team carefully deconstructed them — salvaging materials for reuse.
When sustainability leads the way, communities thrive — and Avondale’s new community hub, Te Hono, is a shining example. Designed with a 5 Star Green Star rating, this vibrant centrepiece is more than just a building; it’s a bold statement of environmental leadership.
From day one, the project team made sustainability a priority. Principal Sustainable Outcomes Advisor, Duncan Munro, from the Auckland Urban Development Office, says Green Star certification was essential to “prove we’re walking the talk on our environmental goals.” And it’s done just that — aligning with the Auckland Climate Plan and Council’s Sustainable Asset Standard, while also reducing operating costs through smarter energy and water use.
"[Green Star certification was essential to] prove we’re walking the talk on our environmental goals.”
Principal Sustainable Outcomes Advisor, AUDO
Duncan Munro
But Te Hono goes further. It’s helping regenerate Avondale in a way that’s socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable. It even supports Auckland Council’s green financing efforts, thanks to its contribution to the city’s green bond programme.
One standout innovation? Instead of demolishing five old buildings, the team carefully deconstructed them — salvaging materials for reuse. This approach led to a joint initiative to create an innovation credit to recognise deconstruction practices through Green Star. Planning for the deconstruction was awarded through the design rating and the results will be assessed through the built rating, after the new building is completed.
This new innovation credit is also being targeted by the Northcote Community Hub, and if successful, in future it will be available to any future projects taking this approach for a Green Star rating.
Find out more in the Te Hono Green Star Case Study on the New Zealand Green Building Council website.
