Five Stars for the Future
06 August 2025
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Te Hono Sets a New Standard for Sustainable Design
Te Hono has been awarded a prestigious 5 Green Star rating from the New Zealand Green Building Council, recognising its standout performance in sustainable design. This much-anticipated library, community hub and town square is set to bring new life to the heart of Avondale. Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2025, with doors opening in 2027.
This bright, bold and brilliantly green recognition - the Green Star NZ Design Certified Rating - is more than just a tick of approval. It’s a national seal of excellence, placing Te Hono among the most sustainably designed public buildings in Aotearoa. From energy efficiency to low carbon innovation, every element of the design raises the bar and reimagines what a community facility can be.
So, What Makes Te Hono a 5-Star Standout?
It’s a blueprint for the future, designed with people and the planet in mind, this project leads in nearly every major sustainability metric.
The 5 Green Star rating isn’t just about ticking sustainability boxes; it reflects smart design choices that cut emissions, lower energy and water use, and deliver long-term cost savings. It’s also an example of how council’s ‘Better Value Principles’ can shape public spaces that are financially responsible, environmentally resilient, and deeply connected to community needs.
A Breath of Fresh Air — Literally
With approximately 4,000 new native plants and 60 new trees, Te Hono takes a step forward in building a resilient environment and increasing biodiversity, while reducing urban heat islands and hot spot effects for Avondale.
This mixed-mode building gives people options: openable windows for fresh air or an energy-efficient HVAC system when needed. A solar chimney in the North Building boosts natural ventilation using sunlight - no power required.
Massive Carbon Savings
Te Hono slashes greenhouse gas emissions by 61% compared to standard buildings - saving tens of thousands of kilos of CO₂ every year. Solar panels on the roof will offset 39% of the annual energy needs, a standout feature that helped it clinch two innovation points. These measures not only support climate goals but also lower long-term operating costs, demonstrating how sustainable design and council’s Better Value Principles go hand-in-hand.
Water-Wise from the Ground Up
Beneath the landscape will be a rainwater harvesting tank, storing water to irrigate gardens and supply toilets. Combined with efficient fittings and smart irrigation systems, Te Hono will use 64.5% less potable water than standard buildings – reducing water use and delivering long-term cost savings.
Built to Last — and Built to Matter
A full Life Cycle Assessment has modeled the environmental impact of the building over the next 50 years - from raw material to eventual deconstruction. In fact, the original buildings, along with the public spaces were carefully deconstructed (not demolished), allowing materials like the existing pavers and basalt stone to be recycled and reused within the new public spaces. Timber, fittings and windows from the original shops on the site have been recycled for reuse elsewhere, minimising waste and emissions.
A Collaborative Effort
This milestone is the result of a strong collaboration between Auckland Council, mana whenua, Whau Local Board, Athfield Architects, Isthmus Group and our consultants.
The design of the building acknowledges and celebrates the rich Māori history that is deeply woven into the fabric of this land. Through a collaborative process involving council, community, and iwi, ancestral knowledge and cultural insights have helped shape the project from the ground up. This partnership has not only enriched the design but also created a meaningful opportunity for iwi to share and showcase the cultural narratives of the area. It ensures that Te Hono reflects the identity, values, and stories of the Avondale community.
Taryn Crewe, Auckland Council’s General Manager of Community Facilities, shared her pride in the award:
“This 5 Green Star rating is a huge achievement for our teams and our partners. It’s recognition of the care, innovation, and intention that’s gone into designing a space that will serve the Avondale community for generations. We’re especially proud to see sustainable design embedded from day one - from the building materials to energy, water, and waste.”
Taryn also acknowledged the architectural and landscape design teams that helped shape this green vision:
“We’re grateful to Athfield Architects and Isthmus Group for their creative leadership who have worked alongside eCubed, providing environmental rating expertise, to co-ordinate this Green Star application. With input from the community, they have brought the design brief to life. Their mahi has elevated this project, proving that sustainability can be both highly functional and beautiful. They have also honoured the gifted name Te Hono - that sense of connection - to people, to place, to purpose - has been thoughtfully woven into every aspect of the design.”
That guiding principle of connection lies at the heart of Te Hono, a name gifted by Te Kawerau ā Maki, with support from Te Ākitai Waiohua, Ngāti Te Ata, and Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. It reflects a shared vision: to create a space that brings people together, celebrates cultural identity, and fosters deep community ties.
A Facility Designed for Community
Te Hono “to connect” - and that kaupapa is at the heart of everything we’re creating. This sustainable building is a living expression of community, culture, and creativity, where learning and support come together under one roof.
Central to this vision is mahi toi - integrated artworks that carry and celebrate cultural narratives. These artworks will act as wayfinders, weaving elements such as wai (water), shelter, and movement throughout the landscape and architecture. More than decoration, they create touchpoints of recognition, anchoring people in the identity, stories, and spirit of this place and creating a strong sense of connection and belonging.
Here’s what to expect when doors open in 2027:
• Te Pātaka Kōrero
- Main Library
- Creative Spaces: Messy play, art, and hands-on fun for all ages.
- Mezzanine level with multipurpose bookable spaces for arrange of activities including services to be delivered by Plunket and Citizens Advice Bureau.
• Wai Tuhura - a dedicated tamariki/children’s space
• Huimanga - multipurpose bookable space
• Te Rauora - Community Kitchen: For food preparation of shared meals and to support events in the bookable community spaces.
• Te Whakatōpū - the Community Hall – a bookable space for a range of activities and events
• Te Pou - Community Room - a bookable space for a range of activities and events
• Town Square and outdoor spaces: Beautifully upgraded spaces with native planting and seating, offering flexible event spaces for big and small gatherings - from markets to community celebrations - supporting a wide range of activities that bring people together.
Through its design, mahi toi, and purpose, Te Hono will be a living expression of community, culture, and connection - a place where people come together to learn, grow, and celebrate.
Whau Local Board chair Kay Thomas, expressed the growing sense of anticipation in the community:
“The community has been waiting for a long time, and now it’s starting to feel very real. This award reinforces that Te Hono will be something truly special, a place where people will connect, create, and feel a strong sense of belonging. Our board is thrilled that Te Hono has received this achievement and can’t wait to welcome everyone into the new space.”
Why It Matters
At a time when sustainability, resilience, and belonging are more important than ever, Te Hono stands as a defining milestone. This community hub will be a cornerstone of Avondale’s wider urban regeneration. This project represents a bold step forward, showing how thoughtful design, cultural identity, and community needs can be woven into the very fabric of a place. It’s a living example of what’s possible when environmental responsibility and community vision go hand in hand.
As Richard Davison, Priority Location Director, Auckland Urban Development Office says:
“From the town square to the native planting and gathering spaces, we’ve shaped the public areas of Te Hono to feel welcoming, connected, and full of life. This Green Star recognition celebrates those efforts - the way we’ve woven sustainability, culture, and thoughtful landscaping into outdoor spaces that invite people to gather, relax, and connect. It’s a reflection of the strength of our partnership, and of what urban regeneration can look like when it’s driven by shared values and community engagement.”
Te Hono is set to become the beating heart of Avondale - a place that reflects the area’s unique identity and strengthens the sense of belonging. With a focus on sustainability and community, it marks a bold step forward in urban regeneration.
Construction is planned to begin in Spring 2025 — stay tuned as we bring Te Hono to life!
Read more - Te Hono - Auckland Council
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