Two Auckland public art projects, Waka Moana and Te Kōpua o Hiku, have won gold awards at the 2026 Best Design Awards.
Waka Moana was honoured in the Toitanga category of the Best Design Awards and Te Kōpua o Hiku in the Spatial Lighting category.
Auckland Council Head of Arts and Culture, Emily Trent said being recognised in New Zealand’s premier design awards was a significant national achievement for the artists, mana whenua and project teams behind both works.
“We’re incredibly proud to see both Waka Moana and Te Kōpua o Hiku recognised,” said Ms Trent.
“These projects demonstrate the power of taonga toi and public art in expressing the unique stories of Tāmaki Makaurau, strengthening connections to place, and creating meaningful experiences for our communities.
“This recognition also reflects the outstanding collaboration between artists, mana whenua, designers and project partners who brought these works to life.”
Waka Moana celebrates identity, place and connection to Te Waitematā. Opened in October last year, the artwork in Wynyard Quarter evokes stories of Māori voyagers sailing across Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa (the Pacific Ocean) centuries ago, before landing on the shores of Tāmaki Makaurau.
Created in partnership with mana whenua and designed by lead artist Graham Tipene (Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Hauā, Ngāti Manu), the artwork features nine six-metre waka-shaped sculptures, 1.3 metres at the base. Tipene collaborated with a master waka builder and contributing artists.
The striking hulls are placed vertically in the rain gardens on the eastern side of Daldy Street in a taratara-a-kae (zig-zag) formation, creating an immersive experience along the pedestrian pathway.
Manager Capital Delivery Projects for the council’s Auckland Urban Development Office, Jeanine McMullen says the project was built on strong partnerships and a shared vision.
“Waka Moana stands as a powerful expression of Auckland’s identity, creating a lasting landmark that honours the past, enriches the present and inspires future generations,” she said.
“The project embodied whanaungatanga from the outset and was set apart by the strong relationships, shared vision and cultural partnership that underpinned its delivery.”
Te Kōpua o Hiku (pictured, above) reflects the strength of the collaboration, artistic vision and cultural outcomes achieved through the project.
Opened in July last year, the footbridge connects two sides of the lagoon again replacing an old bridge taken out of service in July 2023.
A striking new example of public art as storyteller, connector and innovator, it shines with light that moves in sync with the wind above the Panmure Basin.
The shared vision and partnership of Ngāti Pāoa Iwi Trust and Maungakiekie Tāmaki Local Board were central to the delivery of the new bridge, with Auckland Council Public Art expertly integrating art into the infrastructure.
Artists, Janine Williams and Shannon Novak, delivered patterns in the railings and deck surface of the footbridge that draw from Māori and Croatian symbols of endurance and guardianship.
Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board Chair, Debbie Burrows says the award is fitting recognition.
“We’re really proud our community has this footbridge in Panmure. It’s a great example of public art connecting with infrastructure. Led by Ngāti Pāoa, the result is a striking footbridge that enables community connection in many ways,” she said.
