Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Pasifika) Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban, who is also a Fale Malae Trustee alongside Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington’s chief financial officer Les Montgomery, says the Fale Malae will be a public space for everyone to enjoy.
“As people of Te Moana-nui-ā-Kiwa (the Pacific Ocean), we all have a shared history and common bond, which will be reflected in the Fale Malae.
“It will be an internationally significant landmark and a place of belonging that binds all cultures through nation building, and inclusive to all,” she says.
The Fale Malae project is a four-way partnership between Central Government, Wellington City Council, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington and the wider Wellington community.
Les explained the Fale Malae aligns well with our Strategic Plan thanks to the societal and cultural benefits that will occur as a result, particularly our pledge to encourage significantly more Pasifika student enrolments, retention, and graduates.
Fale Malae Trust Chair Adrian Orr says the iconic building will complement the other cultural institutions on the waterfront such as Te Papa Tongarewa, Te Wharewaka o Pōneke, Wellington Museum, and the Garden of Beneficence.
He said mana whenua have expressed their support for the Fale Malae, as have Pasifika leaders, Wellington Chamber of Commerce, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Wellington NZ, and Te Papa. Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage is also a key partner of the project.
“Aotearoa has always been a Pacific nation, and we should have a dedicated space to celebrate both New Zealand’s place in the Pacific and the role of Pacific people in New Zealand’s national identity,” says Mr Orr.
The Fale Malae design will be integrated into the waterfront space and support a wide range of community and educational uses. As a pavilion for Frank Kitts Park, the building will include a café and storage area to support recreational activity on the waterfront, including dragon boat racing. The Malae forms part of the public open space within Frank Kitts Park.
Located in the capital, the national Fale Malae will be near the seat of Government, the public service, and the international diplomatic corps. The space will also be used by Te Herenga Waka as a unique teaching space for the University’s programmes and Pasifika community.
We need your help to ensure the promise of this building is realised. To share your thoughts on the Fale Malae, please visit the Lets Talk website before 5 pm Monday 10 April.