Wharekai & Maarakai

Introducing a wharekai and wharenui to Matiu Island is key to fostering community, hospitality, and cultural exchange. This proposal explores the renovation of the existing quarantine facility on the northern summit to include a wharekai with a communal kitchen, dining area, storage, an indoor greenhouse, and workshop/classroom space—designed to support collective learning and connection. By removing the building’s central section, a cross-shaped courtyard is created—an open, sunlit space encouraging kotahitanga, unity between host and guest. This courtyard becomes the heart of the complex, linking the northern and eastern wings and enhancing the sense of togetherness. The use of exposed timber and translucent cladding brings natural light and warmth, creating a peaceful, welcoming environment with minimal impact on the land. The design honours the site's past while marking a clear shift toward a future grounded in mātauranga Māori, offering a space for iwi and visitors to learn, share, and thrive together.