The doors of Te Whata o Kaituna will soon be open for the community to explore the new South Dunedin Community Library.
The community library and building complex Te Whata o Kaituna at 148 King Edward Street will be officially opened to the public on Saturday, 27 September at 11am.
A whakawātea (blessing) was held to whakanoa (cleanse) the building early on Monday, 1 September. Mana whenua from Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou and Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki led the wātea to clear the space for staff to begin setting up the new South Dunedin Community Library.
Library Services Director, Sarah Gallagher says staff have been busy filling the shelves with books and installing library technology in preparation for opening.
“Everyone is so excited to see their hard work come to fruition, and the new team can’t wait to share this beautiful space with the community,” Mrs Gallagher says.
Construction for Te Whata o Kaituna began in early 2024, and was developed by the Dunedin City Council, in collaboration with Positive Property Ltd, mana whenua-owned organisation Aukaha, Baker Garden Architects, and Naylor Love.
The exterior and interior art and design work, inspired by a cultural narrative written for South Dunedin by Dr Megan Pōtiki (Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou) was led by Aukaha-Mana Ahurea design leads Aroha Novak and Simon Kaan, with Kāi Tahu artists Ephraim Russell, Megan Brady, and Keri Whaitiri, and Michel Tuffrey (Samoa, Rarotonga, Ma’ohi Tahiti).
The design elements incorporate Kāi Tahu’s connection to the area, the Pasifika community, mahika kai (food gathering), celestial navigation, and reference the early name of the area – Kaituna – where tuna (eel) was traditionally harvested.
Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou upoko, Edward Ellison says the area was traditionally known for its mahika kai.
“The seasonal mahi of gathering, preserving and cooking food was how mātauraka (knowledge) was passed down through the generations.”
“That knowledge is deeply rooted in our traditions, and stories and knowledge systems, so it is fitting across many aspects that these stories are now woven into the library space where learning continues and the community gathers.”
“The presence of Te Whata o Kaituna here helps anchor our history and ensures it remains visible, valued, and present for the next generation, he says.
City and South Dunedin Libraries Manager, Lynn Vare says the opening of the library has long been anticipated by the South Dunedin community.
“This will be an amazing new space and hub for the community, and showcases the dedication of the many people who have advocated for a library space in South Dunedin for many years. Its multi-functionality will be of great use to many whānau and residents in the area,” Ms Vare says.
We particularly acknowledge the efforts of former city councillor Anne Turvey, whose anniversary of her passing serendipitously occurred four years ago to the day of the library’s whakawātea.
The $22 million facility has been designed with Universal Design Principles in mind, and incorporates a DCC Service Centre, recording studio, maker space, and bookable meeting rooms.
South Dunedin Librarian Amanda Corrigan says she can’t wait for everyone to be able to use the new facility.
“It incorporates features and utilities with the community in mind, and will make a huge difference for those living there,” she says.
“We consulted with the community on what they needed and expected at the facility, and it will be wonderful for them to finally experience it.”
