Dunedin City Council (DCC) has partnered with Positive Property Ltd to create a community hub and new library in South Dunedin. While construction of the new library complex on King Edward St is still underway, Mana Whenua’s Aukaha organisation and local architects Baker Garden have worked together to design the building’s exterior, which has just been released.
The recently unveiled artwork features tuna (eel) on the exterior windows, paying tribute to the history and culture of South Dunedin.
Dr Megan Potiki, panellist from Aukaha's Mana Whenua, whose research informed the design work, said South Dunedin was once an estuary with an abundance of shellfish, fish, birds and especially tuna, and was the site where tuna was harvested.
“The original name of South Dunedin is Kaituna. Tuna was an incredibly important food source for our ancestors, and Kaituna was a location where they did that – hence the importance of incorporating it into the design.”
Renowned artists Ephraim Russell (Kāi Tahu) and Michael Tuffery (Samoa, Rarotonga, Ma'ohi Tahiti) collaborated with Aukaha on the design of the building's exterior. The design pays tribute to South Dunedin's diverse community and reminds us of the importance of knowledge, climate change and mahika kai (the practices and locations for gathering food).
“Tuna is also an important theme in Polynesian stories in the Pacific. Working with Michael Tuffery allowed us to draw on Pasifika art and reflect the whanaukataka (family ties) within our cultures in the South Pacific,” Dr Potiki said.
Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich said he was impressed with the quality of the design and was pleased with the cultural story that highlighted the importance of tuna and the place of the new library in South Dunedin.
“It has been a great pleasure to work with Mana Whenua to ensure that South Dunedin's story and unique identity is recognised and celebrated in this way.”
Those who have seen the first concept artwork at community hui have been very impressed and excited about how it is shaping up. There has been a lot of positive feedback from everyone, Mr. Radich said.
“The new library and community centre are a great example of the council working with the community and mana whenua. I am proud to see this unique partnership come to fruition.”
Mr Radich said he was pleased that work was on track to deliver this “valuable resource” with a rich identity and story.
Jeanette Wikaira, DCC's general manager of arts, culture and recreation, said South Dunedin residents have long been calling for a new library and community space in their area that meets their specific needs.
“We consulted with several stakeholder groups to help with the design process and shape the library's offering,” she said.
The South Dunedin Library and Community Complex will feature a modern and accessible library and DCC service centre, as well as new facilities for community use including meeting rooms, a makerspace and a recording studio.
The project is scheduled to open in mid-2025 and is estimated to cost approximately $22 million.