Dunedin ACC building ready for staff

A small group of people who braved yesterday’s frigid weather for a poignant dawn ceremony at the ACC’s new premises in Dunedin were rewarded with beautiful glowing light.

The blessing ceremony officially marked the end of construction.

The four-storey ACC Ōtepoti building is a joint venture between Ngāi Tahu Property and ACC Investments, and occupies the site of a former carpark in the historic precinct between Dowling St and Queens Gardens.

Architects Warren and Mahoney collaborated with mana whenua-owned organisation Aukaha to create an exterior facade inspired by the intricate woven pattern of a traditional poti (flax basket).

Two pou whenua (land posts) have also been installed in front of the building to continue the theme of weaving, representing the handles of the poti and the importance of the final lashings which bind everything together.

Ngāi Tahu Holdings chief executive Todd Moyle said the building was an outstanding example of how a partnership between iwi and a Crown entity could yield excellent results.

"This striking building not only reflects the history and traditions of mana whenua, but it has also been built with a focus on sustainability and accessibility."

ACC chief executive Megan Main said staff would move into the building next month.

john.lewis@odt.co.nz