Source: Auckland Council
On Saturday 7 of August, at the 10th anniversary of its urban regeneration, Wynyard Quarter celebrated being one. HAUMI: Kia kotahi te iwi, kia haumi te waka | One people, one waka, one journey.
Once an industrial area closed off to the public, ahead of the Rugby World Cup, Wynyard Quarter was opened to the public on 6 August 2011. Since then, it has developed to become a bustling neighbourhood filled with culture, restaurants, offices, homes, and waterfront views.
“Wynyard Quarter used to be grimy and industrial; it strongly reminded me of the Birmingham you see in the television series Peaky Blinders,” said Waitematā Local Board Chair Richard Northey. “Now it’s something quite special with a number of public spaces that have been thoughtfully created and which the board named after notable women with a connection to the area, such as Amey Daldy Park and Freda Barnes Plaza.”
To commemorate the 10-year regeneration milestone, a day of fun for the whole whānau was organised by Eke Panuku Development Auckland and the rangatahi programme group He Pia He Tauira. The event was named HAUMI, which means to join all together.
The annual celebration was previously called the Wynyard Quarter Birthday, but this year Eke Panuku invited rangatahi to reimagine the event. “HAUMI was curated alongside our rangatahi programme He Pia He Tauira, to represent the essence of place and acknowledge the past and present of all living, working, and playing together,” said Eke Panuku Placemaker Leehane Stowers.
“HAUMI is the largest event organised by He Pia He Tauira, and the amount of thought and energy that has gone into the day is amazing,” she said.
“Everyone has worked so hard from a deeper level that connects all things and is reflective of the name of the event HAUMI – to join all together. I couldn’t be prouder.”
The morning of HAUMI started with a pōwhiri led by Te Puru o Tāmaki and Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, which was attended by approximately 100 people despite the changeable weather and fresh south-westerly winds.
During the ceremony, the manuhiri (visitors) were welcomed from the waharoa (gateway) on Te Wero Island towards Karanga Plaza by the calls of ope taua (warriors) and the whakawātea (blessing) of three kaimātātaki (challengers).
The manuhiri dignitaries who took part in the formalities of the pōwhiri included Waitematā and Gulf Ward Councillor Pippa Coom, Waitematā Local Board Chair Richard Northey, Eke Panuku Chief Executive David Rankin and long-standing North Wharf tenant James Gardiner of Rushworths Café.
Several speeches took place during the formalities, with the word makariri (cold) referenced throughout. “I give you permission to jump up and down as I speak” said Councillor Coom at the beginning of her speech, as she encouraged the group to stay warm.
Councillor Coom was also present at the 2011 Wynyard Quarter opening pōwhiri, and she spoke of the changes she’d witnessed across the waterfront and of the importance of creating places for people. “I want to acknowledge the amazing Eke Panuku Placemaking team that makes Wynyard Quarter such a great environment to be in. I remember when this area opened 10 years ago, Aucklanders were stunned to see the transformation of the waterfront and they haven’t stopped coming back since.”
Following the pōwhiri, the āhuareka (celebrations) of HAUMI commenced and Wynyard Quarter came to life with a flurry of activities across the waterfront.
Over 10,000 people attended HAUMI over the course of the day, and they were treated to a selection of live music, workshops, outdoor games and activities. There was a mix of regular favourites from previous years such as Kids Gone Fishing and AK Samba, with new activities such as poi making, mau rakau and taonga puoro workshops, and tram rides around the quarter. Those resilient enough to withstand the occasional downpour enjoyed an outdoor screening of The Croods: A New Age as a curtain closer to the event.
“HAUMI was a success and represents the way we will celebrate the Wynyard Quarter anniversary going forward,” said Eke Panuku Chief Executive David Rankin. “Thank you to everyone who has been a part of the waterfront journey to date, the outcome of your involvement is something we should all be proud of.”
About the He Pia He Tauira (rangatahi/youth) programme
The He Pia He Tauira placemaking programme provides work experience and opportunities for mana whenua rangatahi.
They gain development in areas of placemaking and the practice of kaitiakitanga and manaakitanga in regeneration projects for Tāmaki Makaurau. This is a pilot programme taking place on the waterfront, and there are plans for this youth programme to be rolled out across other neighbourhoods in Auckland.
