Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre was part of the rebuild of Christchurch after the 2010 Earthquake. The Government project, designed by Woods Bagot & Warren and Mahoney, in collaboration with Ngāi Tahu and Ngāi Tūāhuriri, reflects the natural beauty and unique culture of the Canterbury region.
The name 'Te Pae", meaning 'Gathering Place' was gifted by mana whenua, Ngāi Tūāhuriri. Te Pae can also mean the horizon, rest, orators’ bench, place of oratory, and place to greet people.
The site of Te Pae was previously was the home of Puari, an early Waitaha pā and an important source of mahinga kai (natural resources). Later the area was the location of a market where Māori came to trade on the banks of the river. Nearby, the central city area of Ōtautahi Christchurch a traditional meeting place for local Māori. When European settlers arrived, the area became the commercial centre for the area.
The Pepeha, gifted by Ngāi Tahu, at the entrance reads...
E hoa mā, e kā uri whakatipu i muri nei, koi pēnei koutou.Atawhaitia kā oraka mai o ētahi kāika, whakaputa mai ana ki a koutou, koi pēnei ki a koutou.
Ahakoa pākehātia koutou, kia rakatira te whakahaere mā koutou.
meaning “the measure of ‘rangatira’ is their capacity to show kindness and charity to one another.”
The overall architectural narrative aligns with the Māori concept of ki uta ki tai (from the mountains to the sea) - the movement of water through the landscape and the numerous interactions it has on its journey. This narrative is underpinned by the values of Whakapapa (identity and connection to place), Manaakitanga (hospitality, respect and care for others), Mahinga Kai (knowledge and values associated with customary food gathering places and practices), Mana Motuhake (being able to act with independence and autonomy – being ourselves in our places) and Ture Wairua (being able to exercise spirituality and faith).
The Southern Alps are reflected in Te Pae's angular skyline and the 43,000 herringbone tiles and flowing windows reflect Canterbury’s incredible braided rivers. Inside, each space is both engaging and purposeful. Contoured paneling, natural materials, textures, lighting and colours further reflect the local landscapes and feature furnishings and artworks have been specially curated to contribute to the narrative.
The most significant artwork is 'Hana', by Ngāi Tahu artist Lonnie Hutchinson. Inspired by the Ngāi Tahu creation story and the concept of Ahikā or keeping the
home fires burning, the three koru-shaped chandelierlike installations are made individual strands of 11,000 glass and acrylic beads, finished with pounamu. Hana, which means to illuminate or brighten, draws and welcomes people in.
Other features to note are Te Ngutu: Te Aika (ceremonial entranceway), the Kōwhaiwhai glass facade, Constellation walk, the Ngā Whāriki Manaaki representing togetherness, the Kōwhaiwhai glazing pattern in the paving, feature seating in the entrance and the Moment of Movement sculptural facade.