03/02/2026
Much as I loved teaching, my students and my peers at Wintec, its great to be back transforming spaces again!
Enjoying the creative process, from brainstorming and sketching, to CADing and detailing, to guiding the build and the planting...very satisfying, working with others to turn this drab, dark, chewing gum-plastered “barn” at Papakura High School into a cheerful and colourful social space where the students can enjoy their kai.
Our design evokes the portage this area once was, for the exchange of supplies between hapū of the Manukau Harbour and the Hunuas through river and wetland. Here the fertile soil also enabled the growing of crops for iwi, providing nourishment to the early settlers of Auckland.
Appropriate for this to be a dining area, a source of ora and inspiration for the young tauira of this fabulous kura/school!