Giving Wānaka world-class access to its most cherished taonga
Jun 25, 2025
Giving Wānaka world-class access to its most cherished taonga
RMM Landscape Architects initiated a series of conceptual jetty designs for Wānaka’s lakefront, developed pro bono, following informal conversations with Queenstown Lakes District Council. Our intent was to help reimagine this critical piece of public infrastructure and support future-focused kōrero about the foreshore.
The existing jetty is no longer fit for purpose, worn, limited in function, and disconnected from the vibrancy of Wānaka today. In response, we explored four design directions that honour cultural values, strengthen community connections, and invite active, inclusive engagement with the lake.
Each concept reflects a different design narrative, yet all aim to create a space that feels rooted in place and people. The proposals offer a variety of access points, ramps, steps, and platforms for swimming, manu, boating, or simply gathering with whānau and friends. Connections between Helwick Street and Roys Bay are central to each design, reinforcing the jetty’s role in the daily rhythm and identity of the town.
Design narratives draw on traditional wharf forms, the symbolic strength of the toki (Māori adze), the unifying principles of kotahitanga, and the layered protection of huruhuru and kea feathers. While distinct, each proposal shares a common goal: to offer a world-class, community-driven space that celebrates Wānaka’s lake as a taonga for all.
The Wānaka App spoke with QLDC and the Wānaka community about the concept design
Read the full article here.
RMM Landscape Architects initiated a series of conceptual jetty designs for Wānaka’s lakefront, developed pro bono, following informal conversations with Queenstown Lakes District Council. Our intent was to help reimagine this critical piece of public infrastructure and support future-focused kōrero about the foreshore.
The existing jetty is no longer fit for purpose, worn, limited in function, and disconnected from the vibrancy of Wānaka today. In response, we explored four design directions that honour cultural values, strengthen community connections, and invite active, inclusive engagement with the lake.
Each concept reflects a different design narrative, yet all aim to create a space that feels rooted in place and people. The proposals offer a variety of access points, ramps, steps, and platforms for swimming, manu, boating, or simply gathering with whānau and friends. Connections between Helwick Street and Roys Bay are central to each design, reinforcing the jetty’s role in the daily rhythm and identity of the town.
Design narratives draw on traditional wharf forms, the symbolic strength of the toki (Māori adze), the unifying principles of kotahitanga, and the layered protection of huruhuru and kea feathers. While distinct, each proposal shares a common goal: to offer a world-class, community-driven space that celebrates Wānaka’s lake as a taonga for all.
The Wānaka App spoke with QLDC and the Wānaka community about the concept design
Read the full article here.
