Ngā Herenga Waka is a metaphor that represents connecting and celebrating the many communities and cultures in Puketāpapa and neighbouring areas. The word ngā is the plural form of te (meaning the). Herenga means tying or binding, and Waka means canoes.

Ngā Herenga Waka means the “binding of many canoes”.

Ngā Herenga Waka is more than a stand-alone project, it is a community movement that is seeking to involve and unite diverse cultures through developing:

• collectively designed cultural gatherings and art installations;

• an annual festival that celebrates cultural food and entertainment; and

• the unique aspects of our residents.

Puketāpapa is one of the most culturally diverse areas in Aotearoa | New Zealand. Ngā Herenga Waka is seeking to:

• Bring the people of varying cultures together;

• Create a sense of identity and belonging;

• Develop pride in our area; and

• Celebrate our diversity.

 Te Pou O Rongo - The Anchor of Peace

As part of Ngā Herenga Waka, we worked with Tāmati Patuwai of Mad Ave Community Trust and the people of Mt Roskill to co-design a community pou that is representative of the whole community. Te Pou O Rongo - The Anchor of Peace is a culmination of more than 300 sets of hands that have shaped the design and construction process.