Central Bay of Plenty iwi Tuhoe is planning to build its tribal headquarters near Taneatua and claims it will be New Zealand's first ever so-called living building.
Te Wharehou o Tuhoe will cost $15m to build and is being designed to have no environmental impact and be the most advanced sustainable building in Aotearoa.
An artist's impression of the planned building. Photo: JASMAX ARCHITECTS
Tuhoe Chairman Tamati Kruger says the decision to build the iwi's new headquarters to such tough environmental standards reflects the environmental values of the Tuhoe people.
He says they wanted to build something that blends in with the natural landscape.
The tribe is working with Arrow International and architects Jasmax and has given them a challenging brief.
Arrow International project manager Jeff Vivian says Tuhoe has provided them an exceptional opportunity to do things never done before.
Mr Kruger says he's excited his iwi has embraced the so-called living building concept and will be creating something all New Zealanders can be truly proud of.
Tuhoe plans to use its own timber supplies for about 95% of the building, including newly harvested trees for construction and gifted fallen and dead trees from the Urewera forest for landscaping, flooring and seating.
