New Zealand Educational Institute
Te Riu Roa
the brief
NZEI Te Riu Roa is the largest education union in New Zealand and they asked us to create a new working environment at 79 Boulcott Street, Wellington, across 4 floors
“When thinking about how to approach this commission, I wanted to reflect the power of collective knowledge and learning.”
Matthew McIntyre Wilson
the concept
NZEI Te Riu Roa chose to use Tūrangawaewae as the cornerstone of their new working environment – a place where they stand together and feel empowered and connected through a celebration of their rich culture, history and vision for the future. The meeting spaces are inside Kaitaka themed walls, designed by contemporary Māori artist, Matthew McIntyre Wilson (Taranaki – Ngā Māhanga, Titahi). The Kaitaka (Māori cloak) wraps around the meeting spaces, embracing the conversations and shared knowledge.
what we did
The new office space is split over 4 floors so we worked with the teams to ensure we created the right balance of desking and collaboration spaces for teams co-located on each floor. We created a large multifunctional reception space with operable walls and a small shared kitchen for hosting guests and union members from across the country. The Poutama (representing steps of knowledge) adorns the lift lobby walls, with a different colour and form on each floor, to reflect the diversity and history of NZEI Te Riu Roa.
the results
In a truly collaborative design process we have created a unique home for NZEI Te Riu Roa, working with key stakeholders and contemporary Māori artist, Matthew McIntyre Wilson, to deliver a space that reflects the core values of the organisation and their work.
