A new town square. That’s what Waiwharariki Anzac Square is. It sits in the heart of Takapuna. This amazing space connects to the beach offering stunning views of Rangitoto.
Waiwharariki Anzac Square is more than just a pretty face. It’s a place for the community. People gather here. They shop at markets. They enjoy festivals and community events. Others simply relax. They appreciate the beautiful mana whenua artwork. The shade is welcome. In summer children play in the water feature.
The story of Waiwharariki Anzac Square begins in March 2018. Auckland Council approved a change. A car park would become a public space. A new car park opened nearby in December 2020. This freed up the old site. The community provided feedback in 2020. The Devonport Takapuna Local Board and mana whenua agreed on the final design. Construction began in 2022. The first section opened in December of that year. Waiwharariki Anzac Square was finally completed and opened to the public in August 2023.
The name Waiwharariki is a gift from mana whenua. It’s the ancestral name for this area now known as Takapuna. Wharariki refers to coastal flax. This flax was used by Maori weavers for kete and sleeping mats. The name Anzac pays tribute to the service men and women who served our country. Many nearby streets honour local service personnel who died in World War I.
The square is full of art. The toi whenua artists Wyvern and Hokimai-anahera Rosieur created stunning lighting features. By Lake Road is a whare wananga a learning structure. This space remembers ancestors and the natural environment. The artwork depicts treasured species. These species are guardians and indicators of a healthy environment.
Waiwharariki Anzac Square is designed for the future. It has many sustainable features. Locally sourced trees provide shade. They help soak up stormwater. This minimizes the amount of stormwater flowing directly to the beach. The square is just the start. Future developments are planned. These will include new shops businesses and homes. The revitalization of Takapuna continues. Waiwharariki Anzac Square is a vibrant heart for the community a place to gather relax and celebrate.