Te Wairoa e Whanake, Ahi Kōmau Gemmell’s on Parade and Wairoa Visitor Information Centre has been chosen as the winner of the Commercial Architecture category in the 2026 Gisborne/Hawke’s Bay Regional Architecture Awards.

The win was announced on May 1 at the regional awards night held in Napier.

The Marine Parade complex was designed by locally based architects Matteo Garbagnati and Gabriela Kopacikova of the Collaborative Projects Studio. This talented couple, along with other partners and community input, created a design that wove the old with the new and has proven that Wairoa is leading the way.

The main street development was one of 16 projects shortlisted for the 2026 Gisborne/Hawke’s Bay Regional Architecture Awards.

Wairoa Mayor Craig Little described the development as modernising Marine Parade. “The transformation has been quite amazing compared to the burnt-out, unused buildings that were there before. Redeveloping this area has been a massive undertaking involving many hardworking people, with support from the Central Government and what was then the Provincial Growth Fund. This award is a testament to Wairoa’s vision of transforming an eyesore into a functional, modern space while retaining its heritage. Thank you to everyone involved, and congratulations again to Matteo and Gabriela for your outstanding design work.”

7 May 2026

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