Kopupaka Reserve

Description

Kopupaka Reserve restores the Mauri (life force) of totara creek and improves the Waitamata harbour into which it runs. Inspired by the tradition of Maori Hīnaki woven flax baskets made to trap eels. The Hīnaki sediment basket is a living ecology, they are living breathing structures, based on the concept of filtering as a method of trapping sediment. Timber baskets and ropes woven into the land. Design and artistic expression overlap and have seamlessly woven land, people and culture together.

Statement of the jury

This project combines ecology and traditional Maori basket weaving into impressive creations that render the fine basket weaves visible on a large scale in the landscape.