The driving force behind the project’s design is the concept of ‘pokohiwi ki pokohiwi’, where residents stand shoulder to shoulder, supported by the Kāinga Haumaru and Ember teams.
In the early hours of a wet October Tuesday morning, a dedicated group of community members, project partners, and whānau gathered in Pukekohe to celebrate the dawn blessing of Rongo Te Ata – Ember Korowai Takitini’s brand new residential community, delivered in partnership with Ember’s newly formed housing team, Kāinga Haumaru.
For this project, Ashton Mitchell assisted in leading a co-design process with significant community, iwi, and stakeholder input, right from the outset of the project. This process has driven all design decisions, essential in formatting a brief, assisting with site selection, and heavily informing the final design.
Gifted by Ngati Tamaoho, the name Rongo Te Ata embodies a sense of peace and new beginnings. The driving force behind the project’s design is the concept of ‘pokohiwi ki pokohiwi’, where residents stand shoulder to shoulder, supported by the Kāinga Haumaru and Ember teams. Ngāti Tamaoho Kaumātua and Kuia led the formal blessing, supported by Kaumātua John Marsden, Max Williams (Kaitohutohu Māori) and Peti Deed (Kaiwhakahaere Hononga Iwi).
The ceremony marked the beginning of a new chapter for residents who will soon call this place home – a place of safety, belonging, and support. The event was a powerful reminder of the importance of community partnership, cultural connection, and shared purpose, to creating homes that nurture wellbeing and safety
A defining feature of Rongo Te Ata is Te Pou Arataki, a series of guiding pou created by artist and carver Brody Runga. The central carved tōtara pou, Te Pou Riu-ki-uta, depicts the legendary navigator of the Tainui waka being uplifted by Tāwhirimātea, the atua of the winds – a symbol of being guided and supported as a community. Surrounding this are four corten steel pou, Ngā Hau e Whā, representing the four trade winds and acting as wayfinders for residents. Together, the pou stand as a reminder of whakapapa, connection, and Hauora – grounding the development in its cultural and spiritual context.
Designed by Ashton Mitchell and delivered alongside Ember Korowai Takitini, Kāinga Haumaru, LEP Construction, Kauri Advisors, DHC, and the wider project team, Rongo Te Ata provides 14 new 1 and 2-bedroom apartments set among landscaped communal spaces, including a sensory garden, BBQ area, and vegetable gardens. The project continues the collective commitment to creating sustainable, inclusive housing that supports people on their wellbeing journey – embodying the values of manaakitanga, kaitiakitanga, and community care.
Ashton Mitchell congratulates Ember Korowai Takitini, Kāinga Haumaru, LEP Construction, Kauri Advisors, and everyone involved for their dedication in bringing Rongo Te Ata to life – a project that truly reflects the strength of partnership and the power of place.
