Te Wānanga o Aotearoa Te Ao Mārama Campus

Te Ao Mārama, a Māori phrase meaning the world of life and light, brings with it the wisdom and understanding of the natural world. Here, light shifts and dances through the day, casting shadows across a series of new perforated metal panels, reminding the community of its enduring connection with both whenua and sky. This poetic relationship between land, sea and light is at the heart of the design, which has been recognised as an Interior Awards 2025 finalist. The project is a masterclass in how flooring can connect people to place, with Interface products carefully chosen to echo the colours, textures and rhythms of the natural environment.

The Whakapapa of each internal space has been carefully considered together with mana whenua, to ensure the cultural narratives of the iwi/hapū using interior finishes with a natural colour palette reflecting the surrounding landmarks, and the finishes patterns were designed by mana whenua, and incorporated into the architectural design.

The rocky and sandy hues throughout the campus create a welcoming and grounded feel, mirroring the transitional nature of the shoreline where land meets sea. In the computer suite and lobby, CE100 Embark are scattered to captures the harbour’s shifting tones, evoking calm and reflection while visually connecting to the water beyond. From the library’s quiet corners to the tea room’s lively energy, these blues and soft greys mirror the sea’s ever-changing mood.

A long central hallway links public spaces to new classrooms, guiding people through a visual journey. Here, CE200 Survey provides a neutral grey base, reflecting the stability of the land, while accents of CE100 Embark bring in the movement of water. At classroom entries, a fresh pop of CE100 Unearth in green signals a change in purpose, inspired by the vibrant edges of coastal vegetation.

Composure II Colours in Eucalyptus and the warm earth-toned neutrals mirror the Kenepuru Ranges, fostering both collaboration and focus. The palette is steady and grounding, much like the grasslands that inspired it. The greens are rich yet restrained, a nod to the deep shadows and layered tones of nearby indigenous forests.

The large cafeteria, finished in Luxury Vinyl Tile, Northern Grain – Grey Wash, paired with Connected Ethos Carpet tiles, opens wide to harbour and mountain views, creating a space for connection and community. As light changes through the day and across the seasons, the flooring reflects those subtle shifts, reinforcing the strong bond between the interior and its surroundings.

Throughout the campus, the design blends cultural storytelling, environmental connection and high-performance practicality. From the harbourside blues to the forest greens and mountain earth tones, every floor finish acts as both a visual cue and a functional surface, creating a campus that is as beautiful as it is purposeful and fully deserving of its place as an Interior Awards 2025 finalist.

Overall, this design embodies growth, Kotahitanga, whakapono and the idea that through connection to our whakapapa we can gain strength and confidence in who we are. – Kauai Moriarty, Toi artist and former Te Wānanga o Aotearoa student.