Art
at the Massey Leisure Centre and Library
 Click
on the images to view an enlargement
Introduction
 The Massey Leisure Centre
combining library, Citizens Advice Bureau, indoor sports facilities and meeting rooms,
is the most arts rich public facility in the City to come out of the
arts/design collaborative process
to date.
Stage One of the project, which included the sports and recreational
facilities, was completed in 1999. It contains some fine, integrated
artwork, but the framework for a full arts/design collaboration was not in
place until Stage Two began, and lead artist Kate Wells was appointed.
Wells' contribution to the design of the complex, both inside and out, has been crucial. Her research into Massey's past and present, helped identify relevant themes and materials, which influenced the building design and the art projects. Her stamp can also be seen in the choice of
textural surfaces and colours inside
the Centre. The end result is a striking building enhanced
with artworks ranging from the fully functional to the
richly decorative.
The Floor
Plan of the Massey Leisure Centre and Library indicates
various art projects and eco initiatives.
a -
'Te Hononga Tangata'
This entry point sculpture was commissioned by the City Council
as a Millennium gift to the City.
Created by Sunnah Thompson of Matariki Carvers and Weavers, 'Te Hononga Tangata',
(the coming together of cultures), greets the dawn, fusing contemporary and traditional
Maori art forms and embracing wider cultural references.
b
-
'Ole Alia' Sculpture - Fatu Feu'u
'Ole Alia', stylised in form and shape, is based on the double-hulled waka of early Polynesia. The frangipani motif of Pacific Island tapa is carved onto the wood to symbolise the strength of women as maternal leaders and supporters of their communities. The side by side placement also represents the unity and strength of peace and love.
c - Pole Sculptures - Massey High School Students
Using recycled power poles, local high school students have carved a 'vestigial forest' that reflects the themes of Pacific and European cultures and the environment. The bare poles stand as reminders of past felled forests, the timber mills and the frontier nature of the area.
 d - Signage Sculptures - Jeff Thomson
Local artist, Jeff Thomson, has a national and international reputation for his distinctive, corrugated iron art works. Here, form and function merge to create art signage which perfectly complements the working history of the area.
e - Gecko Mosaics - Jon Morgan
These pebble mosaics have been placed as directional pointers at key entry walkways to the facility.
They reference the local fauna and have a tactile quality echoed in the water feature and moa mountain. The two geckos outside the original building are incorporated into a landscape of andesite boulders from Te Henga which act as bollards in front of the building.
f - Moa Mountain - Discovery Play
Sculpture
 For
detailed information on this sculpture see Moa
Mountain.
Designed by Kate Wells and Renee Lambert; developed and
built by Iona Matheson and Jasmine Clark.
This project grew out of the desire to stimulate children's
imagination through reading and creative play. Local primary
school pupils have worked with Iona and Jasmine to produce
800 individual leaf and feather tiles to cover the body of
the reclining moa. Epoxy resin inserts carry 'fossilised'
leaves and feathers.
g -
Historical Painting - Allie Eagle
 After extensive research into the area, past and present, Te Henga artist Allie Eagle has created a 'metaphorical' landscape in encaustic wax and watercolour, which captures some of the essence of Massey.
 h -
Multi-cultural Greetings - Graeme Gash
Graeme Gash's graphic work is widely used throughout the City.
It appears on the windows of the Stage One facility and on the entry doors to the library, where a multi-cultural welcome greets visitors.
i -
'Pathways' carpet runner - Kate Wells and Dilana Rugs
Kate's entrance runner draws on her initial research into the area's history and flora.
A pathway from the Waitakere foothills, through the trees and 'gold' gum fields to the shores of the Waitemata, evokes a sense of place and past.
j -
'Riding on the Unicorn's Back' - Kate Wells & Dilana Rugs
Complementing the entry runner, this whimsical rug is for rolling and 'riding' on in the children's area. With the accompanying large cushions, and the blend of mythical and real creatures, children are encouraged to be imaginative and inquiring.
k - Shelving Canopy and Stack Ends - Neal Smith
This art/design work is an example of form and function integrating harmoniously. The need to brace the shelves and provide lighting and a flexible layout, led designer Neal Smith to create these graceful structures.
 l - Door Handles - Matthew von Sturmer & Zealous Design
Te Atatu designer Matthew von Sturmer has an exclusive range of art door handles which have been incorporated into the building.
m - External Clock - Phill Rooke
This work was created for the early Stage One building.
It incorporates images of Waitakere nikaus and wood pigeons along with more urban references in its corrugated iron detailing and neon outline.
n - Palm Mosaic - Kate Wells and Gabrielle Hoffmann
 Another Stage One project, this mosaic was designed to continue the Waitakere flora theme and to create an island of interest in the main foyer of the sports complex.
o - Tukutuku Panels and Poupou
Commissioned through the Te Aka Kumara Maori Libraries Advisory Group. Artists: Leonard Tino and Hohepa Renata. The figures in the Poupou depict male and female forms in their search for earthly knowledge. The Kowhaiwhai designs are representations of all the forms and levels of knowledge.
p - Reference and Children's desk graphics
 Commissioned through the Te Aka Kumara Maori Libraries Advisory Group. Designer: Hohepa Renata of Maori Authentic Ltd. The Reference desk carries a protective koruru and Kowhaiwhai designs depicting knowledge. The children's desk carries a celebration of the children of the sea.
q -
'The Ballad of Don Buck's Hill' by Marianne Simpkins - printed by Beth Serjeant
This original layout and printing of a loved local ballad captures some of the Pakeha history of the area. Printed on hand-made flax paper using Garamond typeface and printed on a Vandercook SP20 Cylinder Proofing Press.
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