Skylid, Auckland Council’s new 31-tonne circular structure which appears to hover above the ground, has landed in front of Waitematā Station’s eastern entrance.
Designed in partnership with mana whenua, the concrete Skylid which spans eight metres in diameter, carries a sand-blasted design depicting the movement of converging waters.
The design was created by celebrated artist Graham Tipene, who calls his latest mahi toi “a map.”
“It’s a map of the historical waterways coming together. I want this to open the lid on what we have down here in this part of town,” Mr Tipene said.
“The design talks about the Waihorotiu stream. When the stream meets the harbour, the waters of the harbour have a different behaviour. They have tides, whirlpools and swirls which you’ll see in the design. The centreline represents the meeting place of these two waters.
“And then it talks about the fish life and being able to gather food to nurture others. The long lines talk about the pursuit of excellence and knowledge. The dips in the line-work talk about disruption and how we navigate disruption,” he says.
The plaza, with its central Skylid feature, is expected to become a favourite lunch-spot and place to pause. It sits between two larger squares – Te Komititanga and Takutai Square, already favourite public spaces in the city centre’s waterfront precinct.
The Auckland Council group has worked with City Rail Link Limited to ensure the station’s surrounding streets and spaces are upgraded and ready for the influx of people expected to arrive at Waitematā Station when CRL opens in the second half of 2026.
Council says some safety fencing will surround Waitematā Station Plaza until the works wrap up and the area is formally opened in February, but the central Skylid is already open to the public.
