The striking design of the new East Stand at Stadium Taranaki draws inspiration from the iconic view of Taranaki Maunga reflected in the Pouākai Tarns, with Ngāti Te Whiti leading the creative vision.
Graphic designer Kerehama Waru Te Pū, who dedicated five years to the project, collaborated closely with his hapū, Boon architects, contractors, Taranaki Regional Council, and New Plymouth District Council to bring the design to life.
“We began by exploring the location’s history and original uses,” Waru Te Pū explained. “Historical sketches by Frederick Carrington revealed the area was once a tributary swamp catchment of the Huatoki Stream, making the connection to water and the environment central to the design.”
This connection deepened through consultations with Damon Ritai of the hapū, who shared stories about the Huatoki Stream and nearby Pouākai and Maratahu Pā sites, enriching the understanding of the area’s cultural and environmental significance.
The main motif on the East Stand features Taranaki Maunga depicted on the building’s exterior, with its reflection symbolically represented on the concourse floor, echoing the natural view from the tarn.
Waru Te Pū elaborated on the symbolism embedded in the design: “Each point represents the various maunga tipua (peaks), while the reds at the base signify the Pouākai Range and surrounding mountains. Whites depict snow-capped peaks, blues represent water melted by the sun’s warmth, shown as yellows, illustrating the journey of water from the maunga to the moana (sea).”
The design also incorporates elements of harakeke (flax weaving), a culturally significant craft in Taranaki, tying together historical and environmental themes.
Inside the stand, the design narrative continues with windows and doors mirroring exterior patterns. The rivers adorning the walls of level one are directly inspired by Carrington’s original sketches of local rivers and streams.
“I hope one day this design narrative will extend throughout the entire stadium,” Waru Te Pū said.
Ngāti Te Whiti chairman Shelton Healey expressed pride in the hapū’s role in shaping the stand’s identity. “This design reflects our whenua, waters, and stories. It stands as a modern expression of our history, and we look forward to our narrative continuing across future developments, not only at the stadium but throughout Ngāmotu New Plymouth.”
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