Two significant Auckland public art projects, Waka Moana and Te Kōpua o Hiku, have won gold awards at the 2026 Best Design Awards, highlighting the impact of public art in creating distinctive public spaces and celebrating the stories of Tāmaki Makaurau.
Waka Moana was honoured in the Toitanga category of the Best Design Awards and Te Kōpua o Hiku in the Spatial Lighting category.
Auckland Council Head of Arts and Culture Emily Trent says being recognised in New Zealand's premier design awards, which were announced at the Viaduct Events Centre on 9 October, is a significant national achievement for the artists, mana whenua and project teams behind both works.
“We're incredibly proud to see both Waka Moana and Te Kōpua o Hiku recognised. These projects demonstrate the power of taonga toi and public art in expressing the unique stories of Tāmaki Makaurau, strengthening connections to place, and creating meaningful experiences for our communities.
“This recognition also reflects the outstanding collaboration between artists, mana whenua, designers and project partners who brought these works to life,” Trent says.
Waka Moana
Photo credit: Jay Farnworth Auckland Council.
Waka Moana celebrates identity, place and connection to Te Waitematā.
Opened in October 2025, the artwork in Wynyard Quarter evokes stories of Māori voyagers sailing across Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa (the Pacific Ocean) centuries ago, before landing on the shores of Tāmaki Makaurau.
Created in partnership with mana whenua and designed by lead artist Graham Tipene (Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Hauā, Ngāti Manu), the artwork features nine six-metre waka-shaped sculptures, 1.3 metres at the base. Tipene collaborated with a master waka builder and contributing artists.
The striking hulls are placed vertically in the rain gardens on the eastern side of Daldy Street in a taratara-a-kae (zig-zag) formation, creating an immersive experience along the pedestrian pathway.
Graham Tipene with his artwork Waka Moana.
Read the full story about this artwork on OurAuckland.
Jeanine McMullien, Manager Capital Delivery Projects for the council’s Auckland Urban Development Office says the project was built on strong partnerships and a shared vision. Waka Moana stands as a powerful expression of Auckland's identity, creating a lasting landmark that honours the past, enriches the present and inspires future generations.
“The project embodied whanaungatanga from the outset and was set apart by the strong relationships, shared vision and cultural partnership that underpinned its delivery.”
Te Kōpua o Hiku
Te Kōpua o Hiku reflects the strength of the collaboration, artistic vision and cultural outcomes achieved through the project.
Opened in July last year, the footbridge connects two sides of the lagoon again replacing an old bridge taken out of service in July 2023. A striking new example of public art as storyteller, connector and innovator, it shines with light that moves in sync with the wind above the Panmure Basin.
The shared vision and partnership of Ngāti Pāoa Iwi Trust and Maungakiekie Tāmaki Local Board were central to the delivery of the new bridge, with Auckland Council Public Art expertly integrating art into the infrastructure. The bridge’s name Te Kōpua o Hiku was gifted by Ngāti Paoa.
Artists Janine Williams (Ngāti Pāoa, Ngāti Whātua ki Kaipara, Ngāti Mahuta) and Shannon Novak (of Croatian descent) delivered patterns in the railings and deck surface of the footbridge that draw from Māori and Croatian symbols of endurance and guardianship.
Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board Chair Debbie Burrows says the award is fitting recognition.
“We're really proud our community has this footbridge in Panmure. It's a great example of public art connecting with infrastructure. Led by Ngāti Pāoa, the result is a striking footbridge that enables community connection in many ways.”
Emily Trent says this is a testament to the partnerships behind the project.
“Te Kōpua o Hiku demonstrates how public art can transform infrastructure into a meaningful cultural and community experience. This recognition celebrates the creativity, partnership and commitment that brought the project to fruition, resulting in a distinctive work that reflects the stories and values of Tāmaki Makaurau.”
Together, Waka Moana and Te Kōpua o Hiku showcase how Auckland Council’s public art and project delivery teams collaborate effectively with communities and create new assets for Auckland that celebrate identity, strengthen connections to place and enrich Auckland's public spaces.