Te Arikinui Pullman Hotel

Judges comments 

This project embodies the aspirations of the first Te Tiriti settlement of Waikato-Tainui and exemplifies the vision of self-determination. Leading from the front, it elevates Aotearoa’s built environment to a new level of collaboration, innovation, and identity. The design is a testament to the power of Māori leadership in shaping the future of the nation's architecture, blending traditional values with contemporary practices in a way that honors and reflects the past, present and future.

By integrating rich whakapapa into the architectural fabric, the project becomes more than just a physical space—it stands as a landmark. It weaves together the stories, traditions, and mana of those who have gone before, ensuring that the building speaks to both the past and the future. This synergy between heritage and innovation creates a space that is culturally significant, functionally modern, and timeless in its expression of identity.

This project is another addition of the enduring legacy of the late Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, who championed the idea that Māori should have a central role in shaping their environments and futures. His vision of a space that reflects the self-determination and aspirations of iwi and hapū will leave an indelible mark on Aotearoa, representing a fusion of cultural identity and forward-thinking design that will stand as a beacon for many times to come.

Description 

Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland Airport is a five-star premium hotel that lives up to the mana of the name that it carries.
From the beauty and meaning of its name gifted by Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, to the seamless integration of tangata whenua culture and modern, thoughtful architecture and design, Te Arikinui is a stunning pou at the gateway to Aotearoa New Zealand. Enriched by design integrity and authenticity, Te Arikinui is a building that enriches us all.
Kotahi te koohao o te ngira e kuhuna ai te miro maa, te miro pango, te miro whero.

Through the eye of the needle pass the white thread,
the black thread, and the red thread.
Spoken by the first Maaori King, Pootatau Te Wherowhero, these words speak to connection, collaboration and the outcomes that can be achieved by working together towards a common vision.