All stars: 150 whetu support new basketball courts design

Just a few whetu feature on the first court, with more on the second and even more on the third to convey the project’s regenerative approach of Tāmata te Mauri, Tārai, Pōhutukawa (Heal, Form and Cultivate).

Priority Location Director for the Waterfront, Fiona Knox says: “This is reflective of what we will see in this space over time: initially, only small changes will be visible while the site is being healed of its former uses, followed by more visible change as the vision is formed (built), and even more as the place is cultivated over years of kaitiakitanga (guardianship) in the future.”   

Installed by Parklife, the surface was carefully selected for its proven durability and sustainable considerations aligned to Te Ara Tukutuku project values – it meets LEED air quality control standards, which is accepted in New Zealand for Greenstar projects and delivers to the Te Ara Tukutuku sustainable values.

It brings improved slip resistance and cushioning, providing a safer playing surface overall for the courts, which had been well used since opening.  

 Fiona adds: “With our testing and trialling approach in these spaces, the improved surface will not only make basketball here safer and more enjoyable to play and watch, but supports other sports too, including futsal and volleyball. We’re looking forward to seeing how people use this improved space and will continue to learn from their experiences to bring enhanced public space to Wynyard Quarter.”   

Read more about our Te Ara Tukutuku mahi and join us on the journey here.