Thorndon Quay pavement designs honour hidden awa

In pre-European times, there were six awa (streams) flowing into the harbour along Thorndon Quay and Hutt Road. These awa are still there but are mostly hidden in culverts and pipes.

As part of our upgrades to Thorndon Quay, we’re marking their locations with designs created by Taranaki Whānui cultural expression artist Len Hetet’s design studio, Baked Design.

The designs are etched using a vapour blaster that takes off the top layer of concrete, leaving a darker pattern in relief. They are then sealed for longevity. They will stand out the most just after it has rained.  

The first etchings are on show now opposite Pipitea Marae and Function Centre and mark the awa there. An information sign will be added when all of the Thorndon Quay works are completed in June next year.

The two crossed Hono/Hiki at the entrance to the marae signify a central bind, connecting people to the space and place. The layered triangular shapes in this area reference the kāinga, whare and whānau of Pipitea Pā.

The arrow shapes pointing to the marae entrance from either side signify kōkiri or movement forward. They build intensity to the central designs outside the marae entrance.

There are several other awa underneath Thorndon Quay, and we will reveal these as our construction progresses. The upgrades to Thorndon Quay include a two-way cycle lane on the eastern side, peak hour bus lanes in both directions, signalised on-demand crossings for pedestrians and beautiful planting and seating.

Wellington City Council is on track to finish these works in June 2025. You can find out more on our website or contact us at thorndon@wcc.govt.nz.