Te Ara Whetū – a new library hub for Waikanae

We're delivering a modern, accessible library hub for Waikanae.

Enabling works began in September 2025 and the main works got underway in November. The library is expected to open in late 2026.

What's new

April to June 2026 – construction reaches for the sky

What’s completed

Work outside the hoarding for Te Ara Whetū is now complete, meaning the work is very much now focused on the top of the building and the interior.

Work to connect the building to water, wastewater, stormwater systems, and the fire sprinkler system is now completed.

The pouring of the top floor, which will form part of the roof, veranda and future meeting and function spaces, and the installation of structural steel on the top level are major milestones.

We’re really pleased to see the meaning behind Te Ara Whetū - the passage of the stars from the mountains to sea – coming to life.

Works to come

Installing the premade stairwell and completing the roof and lift will take a few more months. The lift is a key feature of the facility’s layout and will ensure visitors, staff, prams, books and equipment can move from the ground floor to the first and top floors with ease.

Installation of the ceiling sprinklers has commenced on the ground floor. And structural steel work has been completed, with timber framing work well underway. Carpentry works have also commenced on exterior wall framing to the west elevation.

Built-in sustainability

From architectural design that considers sustainable building materials to working closely with our contractors Naylor Love and Otaihanga Zero Waste to divert as much waste as possible away from the landfill, we’re prioritising sustainability in every part of the build for Te Ara Whetū.

During the demolition phase a whopping 94 percent of waste was diverted and we’re also pushing to keep just as much waste out of landfill during construction. Our building team are separating waste on site into clearly defined streams, including timber, steel and scrap metal, PVC, and even some traditionally hard-to-recycle materials.

Te Ara Whetū is an example of what’s possible when sustainability is built in from the start, creating a lasting impact for our community.

Interested in learning more about our sustainability commitment and journey?

Te Ara Whetū - Sustainability in Action

Timeline

Expected construction timings

Estimated date	Stage
December - May 2026	Build new structural walls
April- June	Build new roof and exterior walls
May- June	Install doors and windows and begin interior fitout
June- September	Install glazed walls, skylight, and lift
September	Remove scaffolding
October	Commission building systems
Late 2026	Completion and opening

Dates subject to change

Final design drawings

Te Ara Whetū flythrough | Final Design

Background

The Waikanae library building was closed in November 2018 due to poor air quality, and a temporary library opened in July 2019.
Modern libraries are changing; they’re more of a community hub offering a wide range of activities and experiences. They connect, strengthen, inspire, and activate their communities.
We looked at options and limitations around a physical space, what property Council already owns, and the possible impacts of purchasing more.
We also took into account:

previous engagement, which told us the new facility must be in Mahara Place
the right sized facility for the predicted 2051 Waikanae population of 24,500 people
how we can minimise further disruption to businesses and the community in Mahara Place, which has already endured several years of construction
avoiding replicating services that are, or could be, delivered by other providers.

Following an extensive engagement process, Council agreed to refurbish and extend the former library building.

Te Ara Whetū – gifting of a name

Te Ara Whetū means the passage of stars. It’s a reference to the term Te Ara Whetū ki Uta, ki Tai - the passage of the stars from the mountains to sea. In this case, ‘from mountains to the sea’ refers to the view from the Tararua Ranges to where the Waikanae River meets the Tasman Sea.

Te Āta Awa ki Whakarongotai gifted the name to recognise the location the building sits in. The area around Mahara Place area is steeped in Māori history and it’s proper to recognise this significance in public facilities.
Although the word "library" isn't in this name, Te Ara Whetū will be a library first and foremost. More than using the term library, Te Ara Whetū links the library to the heritage, significance and uniqueness of its location.

Te Āta Awa ki Whakarongotai decided the time was right to gift the name so our designers can incorporate concepts which sit behind the name into the library’s design.

Te Ara Whetū pepeha [MP3 2.59 MB]

Te Ara Whetū pepeha (short) [MP3 727 KB]

Project timeline

Date	Activity
31 August 2023	Council voted to progress work to refurbish and extend the former library
Early-to-mid 2024	Building condition assessment – determining/confirming the structural condition and strength
Early 2024	Internal strip out of building and decontaminate if needed
September to October 2024	Concept design Confirming the project brief, engaging major consultants, investigating the site and developing rough cost estimate.
October to December 2024	Preliminary design - refining the approved concept including selecting major elements such as structural system, building services and materials. Identifying preferred procurement method. Updating cost estimate.
Early 2025	Lodge Resource consent – ensures the building complies with local environmental regulations, including the district plan and regional plans.
Early 2025	Procure main contractor - bringing the contractor on board before the design is finalised allows them to provide buildability and innovation advice into the design. This avoids late changes which can be expensive.
Dec 2024 to April 2025	Developed design - scoping of all major elements, such as structural elements, building services, materials and finishes are coordinated and finalised. Confirming the building’s aesthetics and functionality. A firm estimate of cost is prepared.
May to July 2025	Detailed design - completing the design to a level that clearly defines the quantity and quality of all building elements, materials and systems through drawings, specifications, and schedules.
Late-2025	Building consent - ensures the building project complies with the Building Code, eg safety and accessibility standards.
Late 2025 to late 2026	Construction
Late 2026	Opening!

Project objectives

The project objectives describe what we aim to deliver for our community with this new facility. The feedback we received on these objectives will help guide location of the new library, and the design and functions the new facility offers, including:

supporting communities to connect
building healthy and resilient individuals and community
creating a sense of place and belonging
providing opportunities to learn, work, and create
supporting cultural identity and understanding
championing inclusivity
providing an exemplar for sustainable practices.