TE MANAWA

The HEART of Porirua
Charlotte Walsh & Michelle Ferreira
- Group 06

Te Manawa responds to the need for a more connected, active, and resilient Porirua. Analysis revealed fragmented pedestrian connections, an ecological disconnect between Rangituhi and Te Awarua o Porirua, an underutilised harbour edge, stormwater and ﬂooding challenges, inactive urban spaces, and a lack of central housing. At the same time, existing social hubs, youth movement patterns, historic stream corridors, and surrounding ecological landscapes present opportunities to reconnect people, place, and ecology.

Inspired by the heart as a place of movement, connection, and exchange, Te Manawa establishes a structure that supports ecological restoration, active mobility, urban intensiﬁcation, and social interaction.

Three interconnected layers guide the framework. Whakapapa Arteries restore ecological connections from Rangituhi to Te Awarua o Porirua through blue-green corridors and a reimagined harbour edge. Tangata Veins weave a dense network of pedestrian and cycling connections through Te Manawa, linking schools, neighbourhoods, destinations, and the waterfront. Hui Pulse Points establish places where people stay, gather, and live through civic destinations, waterfront attractions, and new mixed-use communities.

Together, these interventions transform Te Manawa into a connected ecological, social, and cultural heart that weaves the harbour into daily life, strengthens community connections, and supports the long-term evolution of Porirua Central.