About Aotea Square

Aotea Square has undergone a two-year redevelopment programme, which was completed in 2010 to make the space appropriate for use up to 20,000 people.

At the Queen Street entrance, there is an arch called “Waharoa’ (Gateway in Maori), formed in wood and copper by Maori sculptor Selwyn Muru. This is an expressionist version of a traditional Maori entry gate. It features symbols like bird, fish and the crescent moon and stars but also elements like the nuclear disarmament symbol, reflecting the modern influences of New Zealand Art.

The main paved area of the square is named the Marae Ātea. This term translates to mean a courtyard or public forum, it is the name of the open area is front of a wharenui on a marae where formal welcomes to visitors take place and issues are debated. The marae ātea is the domain of Tūmatauenga, the atua (god) of war and people and therefore the appropriate place to raise contentious issues thereby honouring Aotea Square’s long history as a site of public protest and civic gatherings.

Trees, predominately native species, are a key feature of the site and maximise shade but don’t interrupt your view of what’s happening in the Square. Terraced, grassed areas have been introduced along with granite paving and steps. Long benches and clustered square seats provide seating throughout the Square, making it a great place to relax on a sunny day. Pole lighting lights the pathways, trees and seats at night while low-glare dome fittings provide subtle lighting in the paved and lawn areas. New Zealand art works are prominently positioned around the area.

Following the redevelopment, Aotea Square is now able to host a much greater range of events and public gatherings. Key events in the calendar year include Summer in the Square, Auckland Arts Festival, Winter Showtime and Aotea Square Ice Rink.
 

NEW in Aotea Square: The Aotea Centre Wrap

Aotea Square is rated Silver for accessibility by Be.Accessible.

The Aotea Arts Quarter - Framework

The Aotea Arts Quarter is the civic, arts, and cultural heart for the people of Tāmaki Makaurau – Auckland: a vibrant, resilient and unique place to indulge the senses, express creativity and celebrate our Māori, Pacific and diverse cultures.

Aotea Precinct

Auckland Live now stages live entertainment across Auckland, but the Aotea Precinct remains an important city centre hub and we want to play our part in making it a great place to be, not just at showtime. Aotea Square is one of Auckland’s most important public spaces and we want to encourage people to travel in to visit, not just drop in on the way past.