Raiātea Whare Taonga: A fusion of culture and colour

09 Sep 2024

The Raiātea Whare Taonga Resource and Archive Centre, located in Motutī, North Hokianga, is a unique two-storey museum that opened in 2022. This hapū-owned facility houses both Catholic and Māori artefacts, aiming to make these cultural treasures accessible to the community. 

The museum’s design, led by Rose Evans of Objectlab, Ken Davis of Ken Davis Architects and curator Whina Te Whiu, draws heavily on the dual significance of its name. Raiātea refers to both a sacred island in French Polynesia and the ship that brought Catholicism to New Zealand in 1938. To reflect this rich heritage, Hannah Kerr from The Letter Q collaborated on the centre's colour palette, using Resene paints to create a space that honours the cultural narratives. 

The interior’s dark, pigmented walls and ceilings are painted with Resene Kermadec, a deep green-black, providing a dramatic backdrop that enhances the vibrant reds and magentas of the Catholic clergy vestments, represented by Resene Red Berry, Resene Scrumptious and Resene Nightclub. These colours feature prominently in the display cases, waharoa (gateway), and carpeting, while Resene Hot Toddy and Resene Gold Drop add a touch of gold to reference traditional church decorations. 

The dark Resene Kermadec features around the interior and on the ceiling in order to draw the eye into the vibrantly coloured cases and displays. Resene Scrumptious and Resene Red Berry (left) highlight one display, while the reversed colour scheme (right) has the same impact while maintaining a harmonious feel and scheme throughout.  

The coloured information boards are in Resene Scrumptious and Resene Hot Toddy, reflecting the colours in the displays and in the carpet.  

A transition from the dark exhibition space to the resource area below is marked by the bright Resene Gold Drop on the stairwell, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.The golds and pinks throughout the interior make it a unique and modern space that celebrates the historical elements within. 

The interior seamlessly integrates graphic elements with the painted surfaces, using Resene SpaceCote Flat for a durable, matte finish that reduces glare while enhancing lighting effects.  

The Raiātea Whare Taonga is a stunning example of how thoughtful design and culturally resonant colours can create a space that is both visually striking and deeply meaningful. 

design Hannah Kerr, Rose Evans and Ken Davis 

images Big Colour 

Published: 09 Sep 2024