Te Ara Ātea

Te Ara Ātea is the sole public library in the town of Rolleston, New Zealand. It opened on 2 December 2021,[1] and replaced the previous smaller library which shared a building with the Rolleston Community Centre.[2] The library consists of two stories and 2200 square metres. Te Ara Ātea is designed to be the centrepiece of Rolleston's town centre.

Te Ara Ātea
Alternative namesRolleston Library
General information
StatusOpen
TypeLibrary
LocationRolleston
Address56 Tennyson Street, Rolleston 7614
Coordinates43.5948951°S 172.3820669°E / -43.5948951; 172.3820669
Opened2 December 2021
Cost$22.7 million NZD
OwnerSelwyn District Council
Technical details
Floor count2 storeys
Floor area2200 square metres
Design and construction
Architect(s)Warren and Mahoney
Awards and prizesWAF Prize Sponsor

History

The Rolleston public library, Te Ara Ātea, finished construction on 4 November 2021.[3] The library opened on 2 December 2021.[1]

The building and landscape was designed by architects Warren and Mahoney, and cost $22.7 million NZD to construct. Prior to the opening of Te Ara Ātea, the Rolleston Library shared premises with the Rolleston Community Centre.[4]

The library has won award/s for its design.[5]

Jonathan Coote, the project Principal on the building, says the facility has been designed closely with a great deal of engagement to allow for future flexibility: “Te Ara Ātea acts as a beacon, not only in location, but for the diverse and growing Selwyn District community it serves. The multi-functional space encourages and facilitates community gathering, activities, recreation and reflection. The design outcome that has been achieved with this project is a testament to a strong cultural narrative, coupled with a people-centric approach.”[3]

Naming

The name of the library/cultural centre was gifted to the community by Te Taumutu Rūnanga, and the name means "the unobstructed trail to the world and beyond." Te Taumutu Rūnanga worked in collaboration with the Selwyn District Council on the $22.7 million NZD building and landscape.[1][6]

Naming controversy

Several conversations within the community have discussed the naming of the library. Many citizens have complained that the name is not recognisable to the large majority of New Zealanders, and argue that adding "Library" under the signage would help avoid confusion. Staff are refusing the request, and members of the council have refused to comment on the matter.[1]

References
  1. Sandys, Susan (10 November 2022). "Rolleston residents fighting to add the word 'library' to Te Ara Ātea's name". Otago Daily Times. Retrieved 17 February 2023.
  2. McDonald, Liz (30 November 2021). "Te Ara Ātea cultural centre to open in Rolleston after years of planning". Stuff. Retrieved 17 February 2023.
  3. "Te Ara Ātea – Rolleston Town Centre and Library – World Buildings Directory | Architecture Search Engine". Retrieved 17 February 2023.
  4. "Te Ara Ātea". Selwyn District Council. Retrieved 17 February 2023.
  5. "Te Ara Ātea | Best Awards". bestawards.co.nz. Retrieved 17 February 2023.
  6. Te Ara Ātea – The story behind the name, retrieved 17 February 2023
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