Join us on Saturday, 14 March 2026 to celebrate the return of Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui!

Join us on Saturday, 14 March 2026 to celebrate the return of Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui!

He whātare moata ki Te Matapihi

An early look inside Te Matapihi

Te Matapihi o Nuku


Te Matapihi o Rangi


Titiro whakamuri, haere whakamua


Ki Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui


Tihei mauri ora
Te Matapihi o Nuku


Te Matapihi o Rangi


Titiro whakamuri, haere whakamua


Ki Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui


Tihei mauri ora

- Tumarangi Sciascia

- Tumarangi Sciascia

Scroll down to read about the creative partnerships, artists and makers shaping the new building
Scroll down to read about the creative partnerships, artists and makers shaping the new building
Scroll down to read about the creative partnerships, artists and makers shaping the new building

Te hiki i te mānuka

A uniquely Wellington challenge

A uniquely Wellington challenge

The loss of one of our most-loved public spaces was deeply felt in 2019 when Wellington’s Central Library closed its doors due to structural vulnerabilities. More than just a library, it was a place of knowledge, wonder, and belonging. Its te reo Māori name "Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui” – “a window to the wider world” captures its spirit. But for six long years that window has been closed.

The loss of one of our most-loved public spaces was deeply felt in 2019 when Wellington’s Central Library closed its doors due to structural vulnerabilities. More than just a library, it was a place of knowledge, wonder, and belonging. Its te reo Māori name "Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui” – “a window to the wider world” captures its spirit. But for six long years that window has been closed.

When the decision was made in 2020 to strengthen the building to the highest level of seismic resilience, the community recognised an opportunity to reimagine what Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui could be. Could we retain the things we loved, but also explore new ideas to make it even better? Could we create a place that truly reflects who we are, where we come from, and where we stand?

When the decision was made in 2020 to strengthen the building to the highest level of seismic resilience, the community recognised an opportunity to reimagine what Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui could be. Could we retain the things we loved, but also explore new ideas to make it even better? Could we create a place that truly reflects who we are, where we come from, and where we stand?

Wellingtonians and mana whenua were clear – they wanted Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui to be a place where discovery, learning and connection can take many different forms. They wanted the building to acknowledge our relationship with nature, celebrate Wellington’s unique culture, and reflect te ao Māori in how it looks, sounds, feels, and operates.

Wellingtonians and mana whenua were clear – they wanted Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui to be a place where discovery, learning and connection can take many different forms. They wanted the building to acknowledge our relationship with nature, celebrate Wellington’s unique culture, and reflect te ao Māori in how it looks, sounds, feels, and operates.

“Reimagining one of Wellington’s most beloved places is both an incredible opportunity and a weighty responsibility, so we knew that assembling the right team was crucial. The Council's decision to engage fully with mana whenua has led to a groundbreaking partnership and a place that will delight Wellingtonians for generations”.
“Reimagining one of Wellington’s most beloved places is both an incredible opportunity and a weighty responsibility, so we knew that assembling the right team was crucial. The Council's decision to engage fully with mana whenua has led to a groundbreaking partnership and a place that will delight Wellingtonians for generations”.

“Reimagining one of Wellington’s most beloved places is both an incredible opportunity and a weighty responsibility, so we knew that assembling the right team was crucial. The Council's decision to engage fully with mana whenua has led to a groundbreaking partnership and a place that will delight Wellingtonians for generations”.

- Matt Prosser, Chief Executive, Wellington City Council

- Matt Prosser, Chief Executive, Wellington City Council

- Matt Prosser, Chief Executive, Wellington City Council

Waiho i te toipoto, kaua i te toiroa

Waiho i te toipoto, kaua i te toiroa

Waiho i te toipoto, kaua i te toiroa

A transformational design partnership

A transformational design partnership

A transformational design partnership

An early guiding principle for the project was to engage fully with mana whenua, grounded in the Council’s Tākai Here partnership, and Tūpiki Ora 10-year Māori strategy. The Council is committed to recognising Māori identity and history in Pōneke, strengthening the visibility of mana whenua, te reo Māori and te ao Māori, and ensuring mana whenua and Māori are active partners in shaping decisions for the city.

An early guiding principle for the project was to engage fully with mana whenua, grounded in the Council’s Tākai Here partnership, and Tūpiki Ora 10-year Māori strategy. The Council is committed to recognising Māori identity and history in Pōneke, strengthening the visibility of mana whenua, te reo Māori and te ao Māori, and ensuring mana whenua and Māori are active partners in shaping decisions for the city.

"When people step into Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui, they should feel the presence of mana whenua and understand the deep histories of this place. This is about more than design, it’s about ensuring our tamariki, our kaumātua, and all Wellingtonians see themselves and their stories in this space.”
"When people step into Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui, they should feel the presence of mana whenua and understand the deep histories of this place. This is about more than design, it’s about ensuring our tamariki, our kaumātua, and all Wellingtonians see themselves and their stories in this space.”

"When people step into Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui, they should feel the presence of mana whenua and understand the deep histories of this place. This is about more than design, it’s about ensuring our tamariki, our kaumātua, and all Wellingtonians see themselves and their stories in this space.”

“When people step into Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui, they should feel the presence of mana whenua and understand the deep histories of this place. This is about more than design, it’s about ensuring our tamariki, our kaumātua, and all Wellingtonians see themselves and their stories in this space.”

- Rangi Kipa, Tihei

- Rangi Kipa, Tihei

- Rangi Kipa, Tihei

And so a dynamic creative partnership was formed to help achieve this ambitious goal, bringing interdisciplinary design studio Tihei on behalf of mana whenua together with Athfield Architects.


With Te Matapihi, Zac Athfield is continuing the legacy of his parents Ath and Clare who led the Athfield Architects design for the original library building in 1987. Ath and Clare had strong relationships with artists and iwi, and worked alongside mana whenua representatives during the original design process. But this new partnership has meant a chance to go even deeper, to improve on the original, and create something new.

And so a dynamic creative partnership was formed to help achieve this ambitious goal, bringing interdisciplinary design studio Tihei on behalf of mana whenua together with Athfield Architects.


With Te Matapihi, Zac Athfield is continuing the legacy of his parents Ath and Clare who led the Athfield Architects design for the original library building in 1987. Ath and Clare had strong relationships with artists and iwi, and worked alongside mana whenua representatives during the original design process. But this new partnership has meant a chance to go even deeper, to improve on the original, and create something new.

“It was special for us to work on the country’s youngest category one heritage building, and it was also an opportunity to revisit aspects we knew weren’t able to be realise with the original project. The Council’s explicit commitment to a partnership with mana whenua required a strengthening of that relationship. Tihei provided lessons and fresh perspectives and together we ran an explorative process.”
“It was special for us to work on the country’s youngest category one heritage building, and it was also an opportunity to revisit aspects we knew weren’t able to be realise with the original project. The Council’s explicit commitment to a partnership with mana whenua required a strengthening of that relationship. Tihei provided lessons and fresh perspectives and together we ran an explorative process.”

“It was special for us to work on the country’s youngest category one heritage building, and it was also an opportunity to revisit aspects we knew weren’t able to be realise with the original project. The Council’s explicit commitment to a partnership with mana whenua required a strengthening of that relationship. Tihei provided lessons and fresh perspectives and together we ran an explorative process.”

- Zac Athfield

- Zac Athfield

- Zac Athfield

Ngā kaihoahoa matua 

Ngā kaihoahoa matua 

Ngā kaihoahoa matua 

Co-design leads

Co-design leads

Co-design leads

Tihei is led by renowned designer and artist Rangi Kipa (Te Āti Awa, Taranaki Whānui). A celebrated and widely respected artist, Rangi enjoys working at the forefront of Māori art development including the revitalisation of multiple Māori art form practices, from the revitalisation and specialising in the distinctive Taranaki style of carving, intricate whale teeth adornment arts, taonga pūoro and moko. His work includes pioneering new pathways in the co-design of public buildings and civic spaces including most recently Te Hono-New Plymouth Airport and the Te Rua Mahara o Te Kāwanatanga-National Archives Wellington.

Tihei is led by renowned designer and artist Rangi Kipa (Te Āti Awa, Taranaki Whānui). A celebrated and widely respected artist, Rangi enjoys working at the forefront of Māori art development including the revitalisation of multiple Māori art form practices, from the revitalisation and specialising in the distinctive Taranaki style of carving, intricate whale teeth adornment arts, taonga pūoro and moko. His work includes pioneering new pathways in the co-design of public buildings and civic spaces including most recently Te Hono-New Plymouth Airport and the Te Rua Mahara o Te Kāwanatanga-National Archives Wellington.

Tihei is led by renowned designer and artist Rangi Kipa (Te Āti Awa, Taranaki Whānui). A celebrated and widely respected artist, Rangi enjoys working at the forefront of Māori art development including the revitalisation of multiple Māori art form practices, from the revitalisation and specialising in the distinctive Taranaki style of carving, intricate whale teeth adornment arts, taonga pūoro and moko. His work includes pioneering new pathways in the co-design of public buildings and civic spaces including most recently Te Hono-New Plymouth Airport and the Te Rua Mahara o Te Kāwanatanga-National Archives Wellington.

Athfield Architects began working together in 1968 and have built an international reputation as one of the most innovative and integrated architecture and design practices in New Zealand. Their team is a close-knit group of specialists in architecture, interior design, urban planning and landscape architecture. Athfield Architects design by researching and challenging − by asking the right questions − and are guided by an unswerving sensitivity to the culture and climate of a place. They make architecture that responds with spirit and ingenuity to the pressing challenges of our time: the need for sustainable design, quality housing, public buildings and spaces that reflect the community, and genuine collaboration.

Athfield Architects began working together in 1968 and have built an international reputation as one of the most innovative and integrated architecture and design practices in New Zealand. Their team is a close-knit group of specialists in architecture, interior design, urban planning and landscape architecture. Athfield Architects design by researching and challenging − by asking the right questions − and are guided by an unswerving sensitivity to the culture and climate of a place. They make architecture that responds with spirit and ingenuity to the pressing challenges of our time: the need for sustainable design, quality housing, public buildings and spaces that reflect the community, and genuine collaboration.

Athfield Architects began working together in 1968 and have built an international reputation as one of the most innovative and integrated architecture and design practices in New Zealand. Their team is a close-knit group of specialists in architecture, interior design, urban planning and landscape architecture. Athfield Architects design by researching and challenging − by asking the right questions − and are guided by an unswerving sensitivity to the culture and climate of a place. They make architecture that responds with spirit and ingenuity to the pressing challenges of our time: the need for sustainable design, quality housing, public buildings and spaces that reflect the community, and genuine collaboration.

Me he pua, i hua mai i te taiao

Me he pua, i hua mai i te taiao

Me he pua, i hua mai i te taiao

Inspired by te taiao

Inspired by te taiao

Inspired by te taiao

Through their design collaboration, Tihei and Athfields arrived at a singular guiding theme for the project – te taiao, the natural world. Like the forest that sheds and sprouts anew, the rebuild of Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui mirrors the cycles of te taiao, reminding us that to come to an end and begin again is not loss but the natural rhythm of life.

Through their design collaboration, Tihei and Athfields arrived at a singular guiding theme for the project – te taiao, the natural world. Like the forest that sheds and sprouts anew, the rebuild of Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui mirrors the cycles of te taiao, reminding us that to come to an end and begin again is not loss but the natural rhythm of life.

Through their design collaboration, Tihei and Athfields arrived at a singular guiding theme for the project – te taiao, the natural world. Like the forest that sheds and sprouts anew, the rebuild of Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui mirrors the cycles of te taiao, reminding us that to come to an end and begin again is not loss but the natural rhythm of life.

“We're really trying to dive into the wonder and the awe of the natural world, and really the magic of that world. And then ask ourselves, what’s our place in this world? – how do we relate to it?” 
“We're really trying to dive into the wonder and the awe of the natural world, and really the magic of that world. And then ask ourselves, what’s our place in this world? – how do we relate to it?” 

“We're really trying to dive into the wonder and the awe of the natural world, and really the magic of that world. And then ask ourselves, what’s our place in this world? – how do we relate to it?” 

- Rangi Kipa, Tihei

- Rangi Kipa, Tihei

- Rangi Kipa, Tihei

In bringing nature back into the heart of the building, we reaffirm our deep connection with all living things, acknowledging the history of the whenua on which Te Matapihi stands. Rangi invites us to look not only at the largest trees but also at the finer wonders that sustain life – the intricate weave of mycelium, the texture and colour of moss, and the dazzling patterns of our native frogs.

In bringing nature back into the heart of the building, we reaffirm our deep connection with all living things, acknowledging the history of the whenua on which Te Matapihi stands. Rangi invites us to look not only at the largest trees but also at the finer wonders that sustain life – the intricate weave of mycelium, the texture and colour of moss, and the dazzling patterns of our native frogs.

In bringing nature back into the heart of the building, we reaffirm our deep connection with all living things, acknowledging the history of the whenua on which Te Matapihi stands. Rangi invites us to look not only at the largest trees but also at the finer wonders that sustain life – the intricate weave of mycelium, the texture and colour of moss, and the dazzling patterns of our native frogs.

Here, te taiao is not confined to flora and fauna alone, but also extends to the built environment, recognising that like living organisms our buildings too are part of a life cycle of growth, change and renewal. Throughout Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui, the influence of te taiao can be felt − from the names of each floor, to the shape of door handles, and the colour palette of the furniture. This idea is explored on a larger scale throughout the building, through a collection of rawa created by mana whenua artists and Tihei.

Here, te taiao is not confined to flora and fauna alone, but also extends to the built environment, recognising that like living organisms our buildings too are part of a life cycle of growth, change and renewal. Throughout Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui, the influence of te taiao can be felt − from the names of each floor, to the shape of door handles, and the colour palette of the furniture. This idea is explored on a larger scale throughout the building, through a collection of rawa created by mana whenua artists and Tihei.

Here, te taiao is not confined to flora and fauna alone, but also extends to the built environment, recognising that like living organisms our buildings too are part of a life cycle of growth, change and renewal. Throughout Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui, the influence of te taiao can be felt − from the names of each floor, to the shape of door handles, and the colour palette of the furniture. This idea is explored on a larger scale throughout the building, through a collection of rawa created by mana whenua artists and Tihei.

E āta rukutia ana e mātou te ihi me te wana o te ao tūkikokiko nei, otinō te tūmatarau o tērā ao. Kia uia te pātai, kei whea tō tātou tūrangawaewae i tēnei ao? He aha tō tātou hononga ki a ia?

- Rangi Kipa, Tihei

E āta rukutia ana e mātou te ihi me te wana o te ao tūkikokiko nei, otinō te tūmatarau o tērā ao. Kia uia te pātai, kei whea tō tātou tūrangawaewae i tēnei ao? He aha tō tātou hononga ki a ia?

- Rangi Kipa, Tihei


E āta rukutia ana e mātou te ihi me te wana o te ao tūkikokiko nei, otinō te tūmatarau o tērā ao. Kia uia te pātai, kei whea tō tātou tūrangawaewae i tēnei ao? He aha tō tātou hononga ki a ia?

- Rangi Kipa, Tihei

E āta rukutia ana e mātou te ihi me te wana o te ao tūkikokiko nei, otinō te tūmatarau o tērā ao. Kia uia te pātai, kei whea tō tātou tūrangawaewae i tēnei ao? He aha tō tātou hononga ki a ia?

- Rangi Kipa, Tihei

Ngā rawa

Ngā rawa

Ngā rawa

The rawa

The rawa

The rawa

To describe both Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui itself, and a number of individual creative pieces within it, Rangi chose to use the term “rawa” rather than “art”. For Rangi, “rawa” better reflects the depth and breadth of the cultural expression imbued in these pieces.

To describe both Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui itself, and a number of individual creative pieces within it, Rangi chose to use the term “rawa” rather than “art”. For Rangi, “rawa” better reflects the depth and breadth of the cultural expression imbued in these pieces.

To describe both Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui itself, and a number of individual creative pieces within it, Rangi chose to use the term “rawa” rather than “art”. For Rangi, “rawa” better reflects the depth and breadth of the cultural expression imbued in these pieces.

Three mana whenua artists were commissioned to create rawa − Darcy Nicholas (Te Āti Awa, Ngāi Te Rangi, Taranaki, Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāti Hauā), Ngahina Hohaia (Taranaki iwi, Te Āti Awa, Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāti Moeahu, Ngāti Haupoto − Parihaka), and Wiremu Barriball (Te Āti Awa, Ngāti Raukawa, Te Rarawa). Tihei also worked with the whānau and literary executor of the estate of Jacqueline Cecilia (J.C) Sturm, also known as Te Kare Papuni and Jacquie Baxter, to include her poem “Brown Optimism” as the fourth commissioned piece.

Three mana whenua artists were commissioned to create rawa − Darcy Nicholas (Te Āti Awa, Ngāi Te Rangi, Taranaki, Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāti Hauā), Ngahina Hohaia (Taranaki iwi, Te Āti Awa, Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāti Moeahu, Ngāti Haupoto − Parihaka), and Wiremu Barriball (Te Āti Awa, Ngāti Raukawa, Te Rarawa). Tihei also worked with the whānau and literary executor of the estate of Jacqueline Cecilia (J.C) Sturm, also known as Te Kare Papuni and Jacquie Baxter, to include her poem “Brown Optimism” as the fourth commissioned piece.

Three mana whenua artists were commissioned to create rawa − Darcy Nicholas (Te Āti Awa, Ngāi Te Rangi, Taranaki, Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāti Hauā), Ngahina Hohaia (Taranaki iwi, Te Āti Awa, Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāti Moeahu, Ngāti Haupoto − Parihaka), and Wiremu Barriball (Te Āti Awa, Ngāti Raukawa, Te Rarawa). Tihei also worked with the whānau and literary executor of the estate of Jacqueline Cecilia (J.C) Sturm, also known as Te Kare Papuni and Jacquie Baxter, to include her poem “Brown Optimism” as the fourth commissioned piece.

“I’ve used the word rawa as a way to describe how these pieces are intimately connected to our people, to our story, to the future that we are bringing into being. These cultural practices are the way we convey, transmit, and maintain mātauranga.”
“I’ve used the word rawa as a way to describe how these pieces are intimately connected to our people, to our story, to the future that we are bringing into being. These cultural practices are the way we convey, transmit, and maintain mātauranga.”

“I’ve used the word rawa as a way to describe how these pieces are intimately connected to our people, to our story, to the future that we are bringing into being. These cultural practices are the way we convey, transmit, and maintain mātauranga.”

- Rangi Kipa, Tihei

- Rangi Kipa, Tihei

- Rangi Kipa, Tihei

The placement of each piece in the building creates an opportunity for a shared dialogue between them. The rawa also include three unique tomokanga (entrances), the flooring design language used throughout the building, hand carved rauru inlays to joinery, external stonework, shelf ends for the Māori collection, and acoustic panels and inlay features throughout the building.

The placement of each piece in the building creates an opportunity for a shared dialogue between them. The rawa also include three unique tomokanga (entrances), the flooring design language used throughout the building, hand carved rauru inlays to joinery, external stonework, shelf ends for the Māori collection, and acoustic panels and inlay features throughout the building.

The placement of each piece in the building creates an opportunity for a shared dialogue between them. The rawa also include three unique tomokanga (entrances), the flooring design language used throughout the building, hand carved rauru inlays to joinery, external stonework, shelf ends for the Māori collection, and acoustic panels and inlay features throughout the building.

“Embedding the rawa into the community experience of Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui is an act of placemaking, creating a welcoming invitation and a strong sense of belonging. The concept of te taiao has allowed us to explore a contextual design language, the natural world that connects us to the land and relation to culture – textures and materials that invite, sometimes challenge thought, but also inspire imagination and play”
“Embedding the rawa into the community experience of Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui is an act of placemaking, creating a welcoming invitation and a strong sense of belonging. The concept of te taiao has allowed us to explore a contextual design language, the natural world that connects us to the land and relation to culture – textures and materials that invite, sometimes challenge thought, but also inspire imagination and play”

“Embedding the rawa into the community experience of Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui is an act of placemaking, creating a welcoming invitation and a strong sense of belonging. The concept of te taiao has allowed us to explore a contextual design language, the natural world that connects us to the land and relation to culture – textures and materials that invite, sometimes challenge thought, but also inspire imagination and play”

- Jaime Lawrence, Athfield Architects

- Jaime Lawrence, Athfield Architects

- Jaime Lawrence, Athfield Architects

Te tohi tāngaengae

Te tohi tāngaengae

Te tohi tāngaengae

A reawakening

A reawakening

A reawakening

In the early hours of Saturday 13 September, Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui was rededicated with a tohi tāngaengae – a reawakening ceremony led by our Tākai Here partners and mana whenua tohunga. This ceremony breathed life into the space, transforming it from old to new through karakia, karanga, poi, waiata and whaikōrero, giving mauri to the rawa and the building, and preparing it for its reopening.

In the early hours of Saturday 13 September, Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui was rededicated with a tohi tāngaengae – a reawakening ceremony led by our Tākai Here partners and mana whenua tohunga. This ceremony breathed life into the space, transforming it from old to new through karakia, karanga, poi, waiata and whaikōrero, giving mauri to the rawa and the building, and preparing it for its reopening.

In the early hours of Saturday 13 September, Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui was rededicated with a tohi tāngaengae – a reawakening ceremony led by our Tākai Here partners and mana whenua tohunga. This ceremony breathed life into the space, transforming it from old to new through karakia, karanga, poi, waiata and whaikōrero, giving mauri to the rawa and the building, and preparing it for its reopening.

Te Matapihi mō te iti, mō te rahi, mō te katoa

A place for everyone

When Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui reopens in March 2026, Wellingtonians will be able to experience this amazing new place for themselves, and we’ll begin with a big celebration to welcome it back. With City Gallery reopening in late 2025, and the Town Hall shortly afterwards, the return of Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui is the beginning of our civic and cultural heart coming back to life – Te Ngākau Civic Precinct.

When Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui reopens in March 2026, Wellingtonians will be able to experience this amazing new place for themselves, and we’ll begin with a big celebration to welcome it back. With City Gallery reopening in late 2025, and the Town Hall shortly afterwards, the return of Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui is the beginning of our civic and cultural heart coming back to life – Te Ngākau Civic Precinct.

When Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui reopens in March 2026, Wellingtonians will be able to experience this amazing new place for themselves, and we’ll begin with a big celebration to welcome it back. With City Gallery reopening in late 2025, and the Town Hall shortly afterwards, the return of Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui is the beginning of our civic and cultural heart coming back to life – Te Ngākau Civic Precinct.

Kia hiwa rā!

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Join us on Saturday, 14 March 2026 to celebrate the return of Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui!
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Join us on Saturday, 14 March 2026 to celebrate the return of Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui!
Sign up for email updates below:

Join us on Saturday, 14 March 2026 to celebrate the return of Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui!

Join us on Saturday, 14 March 2026 to celebrate the return of Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui!