AIA Airport Tree

Project Details

The Story of Pou Manawa

In designing the new retail departures area Auckland Airport and Ignite Architects developed the idea of a “heart” space – an area with a central focus that people would gravitate to; a space both interactive and engaging.

So much of the imagery symbolising what we hold dear as New Zealanders focused on trees, the Pohutukawa stretching out over the beach, the soaring Totara, or the mighty Kauri. And so the concept of Pou Manawa was born.

From a cone shaped tiled trunk reminiscent of Auckland’s volcanic landscape grows the base, stylised in the dark timber of New Zealand’s bush.

Pou Manawa – The name

Pou: Refers to a point or place of reference by being upright; or a pole to support and provide sustenance. In this case the tree-like structure is a place of reference.

Manawa: The heart of a person or seat of affections.

Pou Manawa: This is a place where many hearts will meet and beat with happiness, or sometimes sorrow, and where emotions will be shared, expressed or sometimes quietly subdued.

I am the pou so lean on me
Not just a tree as you can see
I am a special place where you will hear
People laughing, crying or shedding a tear

Pou Manawa is the heart of the retail centre and stands proud where people gather, coming and going from their journeys around the world.

Moving Imagery

There are six main themes that are reflected through the 36 minute cycle of Pou Manawa:

• Ocean
• Flax
• Fern
• Night Sky
• Sunrise/Sunset
• Pohutakawa

Traditional Maori designs are reflected onto Pou Manawa using projectors and LED lighting, generating 360 degree images, patterns and designs that float across the canopy of Pou Manawa.

The intricate designs are created by Kingi Gilbert and depict New Zealand carvings, nature and birds and relate to travel, flight, voyaging, movement across vast expanses, oceans, airways, guidance and hospitality.

The Māori kite symbolises the spreading of wings and breadth of life, drawing close parallels to individuals embarking on travel. The He Manutukutuku kite is adorned with Ara-hau representing wind paths, wind spirals and jet streams, much like taking off on an aeroplane towards a new destination.

The He Torora orca whale, He Mangopare hammerhead shark and He Whai stingray are adorned with Ara-moana, depicting pathways to the ocean, in this case the Manukau harbour. They sail a route representing travel and navigation.

Nga Waka Haurua, the pattern of two sails which represent a double hulled voyaging canoe of the Maori, is contained within the Ara-moana.

The fluidity of the Awa pattern adorning He Torora is representative of a river flowing with energy, life and water through many tributaries of the Manukau harbour, once again, much like travel.

The He Manu Tui is decorated with a Kowhai Ngutu-Kaka design. Inspired by the feeding of birds, it represents flourishing, hospitality and rest; Pou Manawa is a welcome resting station for weary travellers. 
The Taniwha Kaitiaki are small notches at the entrance to the Ara-hau, Ara-moana and Awa and symbolise guardians for travel in all forms.

-Auckland Airport