Waka Moana artistry meets technology in the Wynyard Quarter

Vision for a continuous network of publicly accessible green spaces moves one step closer with the arrival of new artwork Waka Moana.

Prepare to be drawn closer to the region’s maritime history. A new artwork in Wynyard Quarter evokes stories of Māori voyagers sailing across Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa (the Pacific Ocean) centuries ago, before landing on the shores of Tāmaki Makaurau.  

Set along the Daldy Street Linear Park, new public artwork Waka Moana is now in place for people to enjoy.

The new artwork is part of a wider vision to form a continuous network of publicly accessible green spaces across Auckland’s city centre and waterfront, improving access to nature and the harbour for thousands of Aucklanders and visitors. 

This network from the city centre to the waterfront has been a focus of Auckland Council investment, taking its lead from the publicly consulted City Centre Masterplan. Investment in high quality, appealing public space like this across the city also helps drive visitor numbers and help catalyse further private sector investment in residential, commercial and retail developments. 

Created in partnership with mana whenua and designed by lead artist Graham Tipene (Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Hauā, Ngāti Manu), the artwork features nine six-metre waka-shaped sculptures, 1.3 metres at the base. Tipene collaborated with master waka builder Hine Waitai Dye, lead designers LandLAB, and contributing artists.

The striking hulls are placed vertically in the rain gardens on the eastern side of Daldy Street in a taratara-a-kae (zig-zag) formation, creating an immersive experience along the pedestrian pathway.  

There are two hull shapes – five waka hourua representing the double-hull, ocean-going vessels that navigated the Pacific and beyond and four waka tētē depicting localised vessels used for transport and fishing. Inside the nine waka are taonga (precious items) which refer to traditional stones used for anchoring waka known as punga. 

Artist Graham Tipene explains that public art like this helps us remember the past, while looking to the future.