Punangairi definition: Māori name that means “pools of stormy water”.

Punangairi is a highly sustainable visitor centre, carefully positioned within one of the West Coast’s most breathtaking and ecologically sensitive landscapes. The design responds to the site by weaving around existing nīkau palms and other natural features, minimising disturbance and ensuring a strong connection to place. The building sits lightly within its environment, with a green roof and perimeter timber trunks helping it blend into the surrounding bush.
Replacing an outdated and undersized Department of Conservation facility, the new centre is located on an existing lawn, with the exhibition building placed in a natural clearing to avoid unnecessary impact. Generous outdoor areas extend the visitor experience, while timber construction reduces embodied carbon and supports regenerative building practices.

The centre is owned and operated by the local Iwi Ngāti Waewae, making it a cultural and economic anchor for the region. Dedicated spaces for local artists provide opportunities to showcase and sell their work, while a mezzanine-level community space offers a venue for gatherings and events. The project was a Provincial Growth Fund initiative, strengthening West Coast tourism while creating local employment. Even the green roof was grown and assembled nearby before installation, reinforcing a commitment to community involvement and sustainable, site-sensitive construction.

Photography: Jason Mann