Kamo Marsh Landscape Architects were engaged by the school board to design and deliver three new outdoor learning spaces as part of broader upgrades to the school’s facilities. Strongly informed by the school’s new cultural narrative, the landscape design focuses on creating inclusive and engaging environments that support learning beyond the classroom for students of all ages and abilities.

The school is organised into three Kāinga (Vertical Learning Spaces): Whenua, Rangi, and Awa. Each courtyard reflects and reinforces the identity of its Kāinga through culturally rich and educational landscape elements. In Whenua’s courtyard, the design draws inspiration from the land, featuring gabion walls that represent different layers of stone found in the local landscape, providing a hands-on learning experience about stratigraphy. Timber elements embedded in the paving symbolise the remnant forests that once covered the area.

Rangi’s courtyard takes its cue from the sky, with vertical posts arranged in the formation of the Matariki constellation—offering students a unique opportunity to engage with Māori astronomy and seasonal storytelling. Meanwhile, Awa’s courtyard reflects the theme of rivers and waterways, integrating a planted swale and native vegetation to emphasise the ecological and cultural importance of local streams.

This project is a clear example of how landscape architecture can embed cultural identity, learning, and play into the everyday experience of students.

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