This Viaduct Harbour installation brings culture, connection, and recycled plastic together.
"Maruata Rikoriko" opened on 17th of June in Market Square—part of Matariki ki te Manawa celebrations
It invites people to gather, kōrero, and share kai beneath whakairo and stars.
The artwork comes from Māori artists Graham Tipene and Amy Hawke of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei / Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Whai Rawa
They centred this design around:
Whanaungatanga—connection
Kotahitanga—unity
Rikoriko—the shimmer of dawn light through water
At its heart is a bespoke tēpu/ table , framed by carved 2xpou from by matua Jacob Scott and Jason Kendrick fromTe Ara Hihiko
It’s beautiful, functional, and a deep reflection of our collective identity here in Aotearoa.
And beyond the incredible design intent I love that both pou and tēpu are made using Critical. Cleanstone - panels turned from 100 % recycled plastic and fishing nets - nothing else.
Each panel supports kaitiakitanga (guardianship)
It shows Cleanstone can be used in a way to celebrate and support culture in public spaces
For me, small projects like this is the heart of our city. They show that design is ultimately an expression of our identity - to tell the stories of those who have passed, how they shaped who we are today and where we are headed, together.
Kia whakatōmuri te haere whakamua: ‘I walk backwards into the future with my eyes fixed on my past'
This Matariki I hope you take the time to head down to Market Square in Auckland Viaduct and reflect on these questions with your whānau!
And if you’re working on kaupapa-led spaces or commercial fit-outs with purpose, I'd love to kōrero.
Visit criticaldesign.nz or drop me an email rui@criticaldesign.nz
Ngā mihi to Graham, Amy, Jacob Scott, Jason Kendrick and the Viaduct Harbour whānau for bringing Maruata Rikoriko to life. Such a stunning concept turned reality.
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