Te Kaaroro Nature Precinct | Hamilton Zoo

Client: Hamilton City Council

Location: Rotokauri, Kirikiriroa | Hamilton

Collaborators: Edward White Architects (Architecture), BrodieHailwood (Project Manager), Designwell (Branding, Signage), Harrison Grierson (Civil) BCD Group (Structural), Feisst Electrical (Lighting)

Year Completed: 2023

Awards:

• 2023 - NZIA Public Architecture Waikato/Bay of Plenty Awards Winner

Te Kaaroro Nature Precinct connects two of Kirikiriroa’s popular attractions: Hamilton Zoo and the Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park, while also integrating the

Observatory of the Hamilton Astronomical Society. The landscape and architecture are structured around linking the entries of these key tourist and visitor destinations

with new open spaces, a café, ecology trail, and viewing tower, creating an animated and varied central spine and a distinctive new place for the city. The scope included

new arrival spaces and a playground within the zoo itself.

The project was initiated through a Hamilton City Council design competition and won by a multi-disciplinary team comprising Wā, Edwards White Architects, and

Designwell. The competition brief called for a new, distinctive entry precinct that included new zoo entrance building/s, as well as new carparking. A road upgrade

was later included to allow service, speed and other design upgrades for the entire corridor. The winning concept established the goal to create an integrated

and cohesive, unique and memorable precinct, which is reflected in the built outcome. Sustainability and ecology are meaningfully and authentically integrated to provide an entry experience suited to the narratives of the two places it serves, while providing actual environmental benefits.