Stingray roof on proposed centre

Sandra Coney. Photo / Natalie Slade

A roof that looks like a stingray features in plans for a visitor centre for the Otuataua Stonefields in Mangere.

The design cue comes from a legend of the Te Waiohua people of Makaurau Marae. Their ancestor, Hape, arrived at the site on the back of a stingray.

A free-flow roof like that had never been attempted in New Zealand, said Ken Crosson, who is working on the design with fellow architect Charissa Snijders and Makaurau Marae.

He said the heritage centre would tell the story of the region from the volcanoes of 20,000 years ago through to Maori settlement, with pa and village sites and areas of cultivation.

The building would be constructed near the entrance to the 100ha park and old rock quarry site so archaeological sites were not disturbed.

Its cafe would have views over the Manukau Harbour and Auckland city.

The area has one of the largest stonefields settlements in New Zealand and the longest continually occupied papakainga in Auckland.

Visitors would also learn about European settlement and farming from 1836, the impact of Auckland International Airport and the Mangere sewerage treatment works as well as the quarrying.

Mangere-Otahuhu Local Board approved the design for the centre which is an anchor project in the wider Mangere Gateway nature and cultural tourism plan.

In a presentation to Auckland Council's parks and heritage forum, the centre was described as an opportunity for a world-class eco-tourism facility.

A case for building the first stage, which will cost about $2 million, will go to the council with a business plan which will give details of running costs.

Parks and heritage forum chairwoman Sandra Coney said that in light of Historic Places Trust concerns, the council would seek advice on the impact of the development on archaeology and the landscape.