10 | LT McGuinness Ltd - Wellington: Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui T T Kim Newth Challenging project brings library back The original 1990s’ designer of Te Matapihi, Athfield Architects, worked alongside Tihei Limited on the design theme. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT T T to page 12 The long wait is almost over for Wellingtonians, who have been without their central library since it closed in March 2019 after being assessed as a seismic risk. Following a four-year restoration and full re-strengthening, Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui (The Window to the Wider World) has entered the fit-out phase ahead of the official reopening on March 14, 2026. Te Matapihi will be a modern, uniquely Wellington library that celebrates the history of Pōneke. Redesigned in partnership with mana whenua, the restored building will house the library’s books and special collections, Nōku te Ao Capital E (supporting young people’s creativity), Wellington City Archives, and a large ground-floor café linking to Te Ngākau Civic Square. The original 1990s’ designer of Te Matapihi, Athfield Architects, worked alongside Tihei Limited on the design theme inspired by ‘te taiao’ (the natural environment) and referencing the forest flora and fauna that flourished for centuries along the waterfront. The iconic Te Matapihi Nikau palms return in the new design, with distinct colour palettes helping people navigate the space. With a new atrium staircase and extra windows, the building will be lovely and light inside. Wellington’s community ‘living room’, as it has become known, has been strengthened to move as a single structure supported by a re-formed ground-floor platform in the event of an earthquake. C O M M E R C I A L Proudly associated with LT McGuinness Ltd Wellington (04) 472 5858 | Christchurch (03) 344 6458 | Auckland (09) 307 5851 | Bay of Plenty (07) 571 1650 | Email: info@swpcommercial.co.nz | www.swpcommercial.co.nz athfieldarchitects.co.nz Athfield Architects are proud to have been involved in the Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui project and other library & civic projects across Aotearoa
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