Kakariki House recognised in national awards

26 June 2009

Waikato's iconic green building Kakariki House was recognised at last night's Property Council New Zealand Property Awards for 2009. 

Kakariki House in Hamilton East received a merit award in the Ignite Architects Special Purpose category at the Auckland event. It is home to organisations in the Wise Group working in health and social services, as well as Waikato Primary Health.

Wise Management Services Chief Executive Julie Nelson says the announcement was a moment of huge pride and the award acknowledged the Group's dream to create a community hub.  

"It's one thing to build a building and another to live in it.  Over the last year Kakariki House has become a beautiful place to live and work for six organisations and their extended communities.  The dream of creating a true community hub has been realised."

Nelson was also quick to congratulate another Hamilton winner. Sport Waikato's Brian Perry Sports House on Avalon Drive received a merit award in the Tourism and Leisure category.

"These are two outstanding Hamilton developments, both driven by not-for-profit organisations working at grassroots in the community.  That's a success story in itself."

Kakariki House - which translates as green house - opened in April 2008 and was awarded the Waikato's first green-star rating by the New Zealand Green Building Council in October 2008. It was only the seventh green building nation-wide to be certified. 

While the green building has a number of special features, Nelson says the organisation is now focusing on ‘living green' sustainability initiatives, like supporting the campaign for a Waikato to Auckland commuter train service.

Nelson said Kakariki House was made possible by the leadership and commitment of the project team and key partners, which included Arrow, Aurecon (formerly Connell Wagner), Sekta Architects, Innerscape, Telecom Community Connection and Gen-i.