Spectacular new artwork for Wynyard Quarter

May - August 2025

Wynyard Quarter
In Progress
Mana Whenua
Urban regeneration

Waka Moana is a landmark new sculptural installation for the Wynyard Quarter’s Daldy Street.

This innovative installation is a tribute to the rich maritime history of the area and will create a cathedral like experience as you walk along the existing pedestrian path.

This mahi toi designed by artist Graham Tipene (Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Haua, Ngāti Manu) features nine towering waka-inspired sculptures flanking both sides of the pedestrian pathway.

The project, named “Waka Moana”, is inspired by the historical connection to Wynyard Quarter, Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa and Te Moana Nui ā Kiwa (the Pacific Ocean).

Graham Tipene, a tā moko artist, has worked on multiple civic projects and his work brings Māori kaupapa into the built environment with major projects including the Waterview tunnel, Victoria Park, Westhaven Marina, Auckland Library, and most recently Myers Park.

Enscape 2024 06 27 10 00 01 Night View 2

This innovative installation stands as a tribute to the rich maritime history of the area and will create a cathedral like experience as you walk along the existing pedestrian path.

Made from GRP (glass reinforced plastic) and tōtara, each waka hull will stand approximately six-metres high, and 1.3 metres wide at the base.

The proposal submitted for the artwork reveals a thorough and fascinating context-sensitive thought process, combined with an intrinsic level of structural and materials knowledge.

This design not only offers a spectacular visual experience, but when walking beneath these Waka sculptures, you are drawn into a symbolic journey from Papatūānuku (Earth) to Ranginui (Sky). This connection aligns with Te Ao Māori, where the Atua (deities) are revered through a profound relationship with the natural world.

The use of waka, moana (sea), and traditional design elements creates a unique link between the whenua (land) and sea, allowing visitors to engage with Māori culture and heritage.

At the bows of these soaring structures, you'll find a stylised representation of the Taratara-a-Kae pattern, a common carving design on traditional Māori storehouses, and beautifully installed floating taonga.

The waka sculptures reaching skyward to Ranginui, invite visitors to look up and marvel at the intricate details silhouetted against the sky and are expected to attract both local and international interest.

Fabrication of the waka hulls started in November 2024 by SRS Group and the civil works (foundation plinths) began on site in May 2025.

The Waka Moana sculptural walkway is expected to be complete by August 2025.

See here for our notification to Wynyard Quarter residents and businesses.

Context:

Set along the Daldy Street Linear Park, Waka Moana will play a key role in enhancing one of the city’s most important green connections—linking Albert Park, Victoria Park, and the future open space at Wynyard Point - Te Ara Tukutuku.

This initiative is part of a wider vision to stitch together a network of green spaces across Auckland’s city centre and waterfront, improving access to nature and the harbour for thousands of Aucklanders and visitors.

Waka Moana will take pride of place along a network of green parks, increasingly walkable streets and premium open spaces along the waterfront for the enjoyment of thousands more Aucklanders and visitors.