Ngā Mokopuna, Victoria University of Wellington

Ngā Mokopuna (formerly known as The Living Pā) at Victoria University of Wellington delivered a stunning new 3,000m², three-level facility replacing ageing villas at the Te Herenga Waka Marae precinct. Designed to meet the rigorous Living Building Challenge (LBC) certification, the project is a landmark in sustainable, culturally significant architecture.

Kada was selected for our proven ability to meet tight deadlines and complex sustainability requirements. The LBC demands full transparency of materials, including detailed breakdowns of ingredients used in every furniture piece – a level of documentation few suppliers can achieve. Our team, led by Kerry, worked closely with the project to ensure 100% compliance, on time and on budget. The level of detail and responsiveness Kada brought to the process was a key reason for our selection.

The Ngā Mokopuna’s FF&E fit-out required products either certified with a Declare label or backed with full material disclosures. Kada was able to offer an extensive range that met these needs, including Steelcase Series 1 Task Chairs, chosen for their ergonomic performance, sustainability credentials, and Declare certification, and Actiu Flat Folding Tables, providing flexible, functional solutions for teaching and collaboration spaces. We also supplied refurbished and reused items that blended seamlessly into the new spaces, supporting the project’s sustainability goals.

A standout achievement was the seamless integration of the furniture’s natural materials and tones with the building’s stunning timber structure, enhancing the sense of calm and biophilia throughout the spaces.

Ngā Mokopuna represents the future of education spaces — sustainable, culturally grounded, and people-focused. Kada is proud to have played a key role in helping bring this visionary project to life.