Te Kura Whare

The 15^th certified Living Building in the world and centre of governance for Ngāi Tūhoe

Rebuilding connections

Located in Taneatua, near Whakatane, Te Kura Whare stands as the centre of governance and congregation for Ngāi Tūhoe. It is more than just a building; it symbolises the revitalisation of autonomy and self-governance that the iwi strived for in the lead up to and wake of the 2013 Deed of Settlement with the Crown. Central to their vision is the protection of Te Urewera, their heartland, which possesses legal personhood.

The project emerged from a deep desire to reconnect the people of Tūhoe by providing a meeting place that reinforced their unique identity and profound connection to the land (mana tangata). The building serves as an embodiment of the beliefs and values of Tūhoe, while demonstrating a commitment to regenerative infrastructure.

Replenishing the environment and community

Designed in adherence with the most rigorous green building criteria in the world, Te Kura Whare meets the Living Building Challenge’s guidelines for net-zero energy and water consumption, zero waste generation, and non-toxic materials. Every aspect of its design, construction, and ongoing operation aims to minimise its ecological footprint while nurturing the natural ecosystem. The iwi sought not only a cultural icon reflective of its values but also a symbol that resonates with whānau living beyond Taneatua.

With timber sourced predominantly from local forests bearing FSC certification, Te Kura Whare showcases an innovative seismic-resistant timber structure developed by award-winning structural engineers MLB, which holds special significance due to the site’s proximity to a fault-line. Extensive research on over 760 building materials ensured that none contained harmful Red List chemicals.

To manage all water systems on-site, stormwater retention mechanisms and rainwater collection systems are incorporated, completing a regenerative water-loop system. A purpose-designed botanical waste-water system further contributes to this holistic approach.

The people behind the project

A rich layer to the development of Te Kura Whare is the people behind it. The project brought together a diverse team of professionals – Māori and non-Māori, Tūhoe and non-Tūhoe – ranging in age from 24 to 84. This collaborative effort not only enriched the local economy but also fostered tourism as 70% of the budget was spent within a 100km radius of the site. To empower local businesses, trade packages were thoughtfully divided to allow competitive tendering by nearby enterprises. Moreover, employment opportunities arose for local Tūhoe individuals who gained valuable skills in construction and landscaping.

Earth-formed bricks crafted by 150 volunteers now adorn the building’s internal walls – a testament to the local involvement in realising this visionary project. These bricks act as passive thermal mass and help regulate humidity for optimal climate control within Te Kura Whare.