Construkt Architects has been closely involved in reshaping the waterfront edge at Port Nikau, part of a wider push to turn this old industrial port into a thriving, mixed-use neighbourhood. Working with Port Nikau Joint Venture and Reyburn & Bryant Planners, we helped lead the design for the new village centre along the marina. This includes reconnecting the old Tide Gauge Wharf route as Arataki Avenue, a key walking and cycling link through the site. The centre is designed to bring life to the water’s edge, with cafés, restaurants, shops, offices, and public spaces for markets, events, and day-to-day activity—creating a walkable, welcoming space that engages directly with the harbour.

Alongside the public realm work, we’ve also designed several apartment buildings near the marina, bold, low-maintenance homes that bring a new kind of housing to Whangārei. These are designed to stand up to the marine environment, while making the most of the northern sun and southern water views. At street level, the buildings are shaped to create active, well-defined edges to both the water and Port Road.

The apartments are simple and robust in form, using precast concrete and corten steel to reflect the industrial history of the area. Generous glazing opens up the views and connects residents to the harbour. Together, these buildings offer a fresh residential model for the city, compact, efficient, and designed for coastal living.
This work is part of a broader effort to help transform Port Nikau into a lively, walkable coastal community—with well-designed public spaces, good housing, and strong links to the water.