Oruku Landing – Master Plan Development

Northland Development Corporation (NDC) aimed to create the Whangārei Events Centre at Oruku Landing to boost Whangārei’s economy and draw local and international visitors. The 12,460 m2 site sits on reclaimed riverland between the Hatea River and Riverside Drive. The envisioned development includes; the Whangārei Events Centre and Mixed-Use Building by HB Architecture, and a 132-room, 4-star hotel by Dalman Architects. Proposed enhancements also include a commercial marina/ferry dock, an expanded boardwalk, and a new pedestrian bridge to Whangārei Town Basin, enhancing connectivity and visitor experience.

The client, user groups and representatives from Te Parawhau and Ngati Tahu o Torongare met with key members of the design team, which included HB Architecture, Brewer Davidson Architects, Dalman Architects, 4SIGHT Landscape Architects, and Matakohe Architecture + Urbanism Ltd. They developed an urban plan enhancing the Hatea Loop with a boardwalk, linking the site to surrounding attractions and aligning with historic pā sites. The development’s design is based on the uniqueness of Whangārei and represents those within it, integrating cultural narrative, warmth, strength, and openness – modern yet grounded. Key landmarks like Mt. Parihaka and Hatea River influenced the site layout, the three key buildings being oriented to optimize these views and connections.