Wellington’s central library, Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui, has won three honours at the 2026 Wellington Regional Architecture Awards, taking out the Heritage and Interior categories, plus a Resene Colour Award.
The awards recognise the major renewal of the civic building, originally designed by Athfield Architects in 1991 and reopened in March 2026 after strengthening and redevelopment work.
Athfield Architects worked with Tihei Limited on a design centred on te taiao, the natural world, to create an inclusive and accessible public space.
Athfield Architects said it was “hugely gratifying” to have Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui recognised by the architectural profession.
“Most importantly, the public have responded with their feet by filling every space, nook and cranny of their urban living room,” the practice said.
Tihei Limited said the project had been one of its most rewarding co-design experiences, delivered alongside Athfield Architects, Wellington City Council, stakeholders and mana whenua.
“We are amazed to see the Wellington community reclaim the space again, to see the design language brought to life through their energy and to see the hāpori continue to add their own marks to an evolving Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui identity,” a Tihei Limited spokesperson said.
Mayor Andrew Little said the awards recognised the library’s place in Wellington’s cultural heritage and its reflection of the local environment.
“Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui is a magnificent asset for Wellington and our many communities,” Little said.
“The design inside and out reflects our diverse communities, culture and whenua that is wild at heart, ambitious and resilient.”
The judging panel described the project as a “thoughtful renewal of an important civic landmark” that showed how buildings could adapt to contemporary social, cultural and technical needs while retaining character.
Since reopening in March, Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui has welcomed more than 350,000 visitors and is on track to reach 1.8 million visitors in its first year, according to Wellington City Council.
The restored building brings together the central library, Nōku te Ao Capital E and Wellington City Archives. It includes galleries, three Makerspaces, Tō Tātou Pōneke for archives and heritage collections, a playspace for under-5s, rangatahi creative facilities, a recording studio, meeting rooms and community spaces.
The 2026 Wellington Architecture Awards shortlist included 30 projects, with winners selected through the Wellington branch of Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects.
The jury was led by Amanda Bulman of Three Line Studio, with James Fenton of James Fenton Architect, Severin Soder of Architectus and lay juror Haley Hooper of Studio MØN and Wellington City Council.
The architecture awards follow another national honour for the project. In May, LT McGuinness won the Supreme over $10 million Award for Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui at the 2026 New Zealand Commercial Project Awards.
Residents can check opening hours, services and room bookings through Wellington City Council’s Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui library information pages.
