Aratoi recognised with Enduring Architecture Award at the Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects Wellington Architecture Awards

An Enduring Architecture Award acknowledges buildings that have stood the test of time, continuing to perform culturally and architecturally long after completion. For Aratoi, this recognises the strength of a clear architectural idea that remains generous and connected to its community. It is a celebration of longevity and relevance, for a building that continues to support evolving functions while retaining its original clarity and purpose. 

Completed in 2001, Aratoi is a purpose-built museum and art gallery in Masterton, conceived as both a storehouse for cultural taonga and a civic meeting place for the Wairarapa. From the outset, the project balanced specialist museum requirements with the need for adaptable public spaces that could support exhibitions, education, and performance. “Success was always about the museum being embraced by the community, being well used, and continuing to work over time,” says Marc Woodbury, Senior Principal and Project Lead.  

Aratoi was also technically ambitious for its time, particularly through its early use of engineered timber. LVL was not widely available in New Zealand at the time and was introduced late in the project through a generous donation by local manufacturer Juken, replacing steel elements that were largely hidden from view. “Using engineered timber at that scale in a civic building was very unusual at the time,” says Marc. “Aratoi became the starting point for the Studio’s long-term exploration of mass timber and timber technology.” 

More than two decades on, Aratoi continues to function as an active, well-used institution. As Museum Director Sarah McClintock notes, “it is rare to find a gallery space in the regions of Aotearoa with the generosity of the main gallery at Aratoi – even Turner Prize nominated artists have been in awe of that space!” 

That scale is balanced by smaller, more intimate galleries, the adapted heritage building, and the courtyard, allowing a wide range of work and events to take place. “There is very little we, or artists, can’t achieve with the space,” McClintock says. For McClintock, that quality was part of what drew her to the role. “Aratoi offers a building that can hold and elevate the ambitions and vision of some of our best artists. It is always easier to make great exhibitions in a great space.” 

“We are in a tricky time – as an arts community, region, nation and world. What art and design can do is cut through the noise and help us see what really matters. It shows us who we are, and what we can be. I am excited to see Aratoi meet this moment, and I know that the flexibility of our building will allow us to continue building programmes that challenge, enlighten, inspire and educate the people of the Wairarapa and beyond,” she adds. 

Reflecting on the project Evžen Novák, Studio Pacific Founder and Project Director, notes its significance both professionally and personally. “As a resident of the Wairarapa, it’s always heartening to see a contribution to Masterton become a lasting part of the community fabric, and to gain recognition for that as well. Aratoi was a seminal work for me, and for the practice, as it shaped our understanding of how buildings can support communities and how local timber technologies can be meaningfully embraced.” 

We would like to thank the Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects Wellington Architecture Awards jury for recognising Aratoi with the Studio’s first Enduring Architecture Award. We would also like to acknowledge the Masterton Trust Lands Trust, along with everyone who contributed to the project’s delivery. We look forward to seeing how the building continues to support the Wairarapa community over the next 20 years and beyond.