The paper's esteemed Property editor attended the official opening of Kōkihi by Housing Minister Hon Dr Megan Woods on Friday. The Minister had noted Kōkihi was delivered ahead of schedule, another example of the "exemplary developments" from the partnership following the already-opened Tuatahi in Mt Albert.

"We've taken seven houses," said Dr Woods, "and created 95 new apartments. And it's less than 10km from the CBD, on cycleways, bus routes."

But the primary focus of the article is on the distinctive design features at Kōkihi, many strongly, subtly influenced by Marutūāhu. Gibson explains:

"A shining bright orange reflective copper waharoa [entrance gate] marks pedestrian access off Waterview's Great North Rd to Kōkihi, the new 95-apartment project by the Ockham-Marutūāhu Partnership.

"This is the second building by the Pākehā/Māori collaboration which is developing 541 affordable new units in four blocks, worth well over $300 million, and many KiwiBuild properties.

"The outdoor pool's floor is decorated in tiles shaped as a pātiki [flounder]. Redbrick walls look to be woven in harakeke, like a kete. Decorative wall features reflect distinctively Marutūāhu designs...

"Part of that is Kōkihi's architectural features, which are the same as Marutūāhu designs displayed at Hotunui, the wharenui at Tāmaki Paenga Hira/Auckland War Memorial Museum.

"Motifs on the exterior reflect Hotunui carvings and design elements," said Marutūāhu chairman, Paul Majurey. "This is one of the common themes and it comes from our whare tipuna – aspects like the tukutuku panels."

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The Royal New Zealand Herald's website has the full story. It's beautifully written and totally gets the vibe that underpins our partnership. Well worth your time.

Photo credit: Adrian Malloch