The design carefully balances heritage and contemporary. Skylights, flagstones, and wood paneling have been lovingly preserved, while a striking recreation of Guy Ngan’s original mural anchors the space with a sense of place and history. Modern additions—including a collaborative work area, a large sub-dividable activity space, meeting rooms, and a community kitchen—ensure that the centre meets the evolving needs of the Naenae community, with accessibility at the heart of its design.

A commitment to sustainability is woven throughout Te Mako, from its restoration to its furnishings. The space is equipped with Noho’s award-winning Lightly chairs, designed by Formway to be as beautiful as they are functional. Lightweight, comfortable, and stackable, each chair weighs just 2.75 kg and is crafted using EcoPAXX®, a plant-based polymer derived from castor beans, along with post-consumer recycled plastic (ASA). These design choices reflect the centre’s environmental values while offering flexibility for a space that serves a variety of purposes.

Lillian Pak, Chair of TEAM Naenae Trust, which operates Te Mako, highlighted the chairs’ practicality and local connection: "They are light, very comfortable, look great, and are easily stacked for when we need to move them. We're pleased they meet our sustainability goals and we love that they were designed and made locally."

Te Mako is the first of three major facilities developed by Hutt City Council to support the revitalisation of Naenae. The hub embodies the community’s vision for a connected, inclusive, and inspiring space. With its thoughtful design, sustainable choices, and deep ties to the local area, Te Mako stands as a model for community-led, design-driven spaces that bring people together.

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Architect: HDT Architecture
Photography: Jason Mann