Tucked behind the Murray building of Victoria University’s dense urban campus, the exquisitely carved Te Herenga Waka Marae needed a gateway and sheltered walkway to guide visitors to the meeting house. Working with master carver Takirirangi Smith, Tennent Brown developed a series of lightweight sails that create a delicate overhead procession from the strong traditional gateway through to the Marae.

Ongoing additional work with this project has been to install sprinklers making the Marae fit for overnight sleeping, and developing neighbouring toilet facilities.