A Wynyard Quarter artwork of nine 6-metre waka-shaped sculptures also won gold for Auckland Council.
Te Kopua o Hiku, the footbridge across the Panmure Basin lagoon, has won gold in the spatial lighting category at the 2026 Best Design Awards.
The bridge’s lighting moves in time with the wind above the basin.
Winners were announced at the Viaduct Events Centre on Friday 9 October.
“Te Kōpua o Hiku demonstrates how public art can transform infrastructure into a meaningful cultural and community experience,” Auckland Council head of arts and culture Emily Trent said.
The bridge opened in July 2025, reconnecting the two sides of the lagoon after the old crossing was taken out of service in July 2023.
The Ngati Paoa Iwi Trust and the Maungakiekie-Tamaki Local Board led the project together, with the council’s public art team building the artwork into the structure.
Ngati Paoa gifted the bridge its name.
Artists Janine Williams (Ngati Paoa, Ngati Whatua ki Kaipara, Ngati Mahuta) and Shannon Novak set patterns into the railings and deck.
The patterns draw on Maori and Croatian symbols of endurance and guardianship, reflecting the heritage of the two artists.
The council’s second gold went to Waka Moana, in Wynyard Quarter, in the Toitanga category.
The work, which opened in October 2025, is made up of nine waka-shaped hulls standing upright in rain gardens on the eastern side of Daldy Street.
They are set out in a zig-zag along the footpath, so people walk among them.
The work recalls the Maori voyagers who crossed the Pacific centuries ago before landing in Tamaki Makaurau.
Lead artist Graham Tipene (Ngati Whatua Orakei, Ngati Kahu, Ngati Hine, Ngati Haua, Ngati Manu) designed it in partnership with mana whenua, working alongside a master waka builder and other artists.
“Waka Moana stands as a powerful expression of Auckland’s identity, creating a lasting landmark that honours the past, enriches the present and inspires future generations,” Auckland Urban Development Office capital delivery projects manager Jeanine McMullen said.
Trent said both awards belonged to the teams behind the works.
“This recognition also reflects the outstanding collaboration between artists, mana whenua, designers and project partners who brought these works to life.”
Maungakiekie-Tamaki Local Board chair Debbie Burrows said the award was fitting recognition for the bridge.
“We’re really proud our community has this footbridge in Panmure. It’s a great example of public art connecting with infrastructure. Led by Ngāti Pāoa, the result is a striking footbridge that enables community connection in many ways.”
