Mana whenua led a whakawātea or blessing ceremony for the ACC Ōtepoti building in downtown Dunedin at dawn this morning. The four-storey building is a joint venture between Ngāi Tahu Property and ACC Investments and occupies the site of a former carpark in the historic precinct between Dowling Street and Queens Gardens.
Upoko of Te Rūnaka o Ōtākou Edward Ellison says the whakawātea marks a move away from the construction phase of the project and clears the way for the building to be occupied by ACC kaimahi.
“As mana whenua, it is highly significant for us that the design of this building is grounded in this place and reflects the way generations of our Kāi Tahu tīpuna viewed and connected with this site, which was once part of the Ōtākou Harbour foreshore,” Edward Ellison says.
Upoko of Te Rūnaka o Ōtākou, Edward Ellison, shares a karakia
Chief Executive of Ngāi Tahu Holdings Todd Moyle says this building is an outstanding example of how a partnership between an iwi entity and a Crown entity can yield excellent results across a range of dimensions.
“This striking building not only reflects the history and traditions of mana whenua, but it has also been built with a focus on sustainability and accessibility,” Todd Moyle says.
The Ōtepoti building is the product of a highly collaborative design process between architects Warren and Mahoney and mana whenua-owned organisation, Aukaha.
The exterior façade of the building is inspired by the intricate woven pattern of a traditional poti (flax basket).
Two pou whenua have been installed in front of the building. These sculptures continue the theme of weaving, representing the handles of the poti and the importance of the final lashings which bind everything together.
“In partnership, we with Ngāi Tahu, blessed our new Ōtepoti Dunedin building this morning. This was a significant step in preparing the building for when our staff move in next month,” says ACC Chief Executive Megan Main.
“The building weaves the narrative of mana whenua throughout its interior and exterior design, reflecting ACC’s commitment to our clients. We will open our reception to staff and clients on Monday 22 September."
Media Contact:
Deborah McPherson, Communications Advisor, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu
Mobile: 021 225 9664
Email: deborah.mcpherson@ngaitahu.iwi.nz
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