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 2025. The library is expected to open in early 2027.

What's new

July - September 2026 – all eyes to the sky!

What’s completed

It’s all go inside the hoardings at Te Ara Whetū, the new library hub for Waikanae.

Over the past couple of months, we’ve seen the top floor take shape with the installation of the structural steel and pre-nailed timber framing now being turned from skeleton structures into rooms.

This is a substantial transformation of the building, as this level was previously the roof above Level 1 and will become a flexible community space for meetings and events, offering views of Kapiti Island.

A key milestone was the installation of the custom-built stairway, which was lifted in through the top of the atrium. The stairway is made from approximately eight tonnes of steel, creating a focal point within the building.

Perimeter wall framing has been completed, with weather and vapour barriers currently being installed.

We are very mindful of trying to minimise disruption as much as we can, so we continue to use the rear car park to crane everything in and load-out.

A large dark-grey steel staircase is being lowered into place by a crane inside a multi-storey building under construction. The staircase features two switchback flights with a curved landing and is surrounded by exposed concrete floors, timber wall framing, scaffolding, and construction supports. Open sky is visible above the structure.

All eyes were to the sky as the stairway was lowered through the roof

While there may be a few occasions where we need to install parts of the façade from the supermarket car park, we will do our best to keep our work area as small as possible to minimise disruption.

Works to come

The ground floor fit-out is now underway, including mechanical, sprinkler and hydraulic services.

Internal wall framing is progressing well, with the ground floor complete and Level 1 now in progress.

Over the next month we will be completing the roof and working towards making the building weathertight with the installation of the brick and glass façade.

A special star-like pattern will be laid with bricks on the level 1 façade of the new entranceway to Te Ara Whetū, opposite Toi MAHARA. This design is a collaboration between our architects, Studio Pacific Architecture and Tracey Morgan, our iwi representative from Te Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai.

We also look forward to the lift arriving and being installed.

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 2025 - May 2026	Build new structural walls
June - July	Build new roof and exterior walls
June - August	Install doors and windows and begin interior fitout
July - September	Install glazed walls, skylight, and lift
September	Remove scaffolding
October - November	Commission building systems
Late 2026	Completion of construction
Early 2027	Expected 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 Ātiawa 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 Ātiawa 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
Early 2027	Expected 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.