Wellington’s Pacific-inspired Fale Malae overcomes setbacks

Despite financial challenges, the Wellington Fale Malae project is on track, bolstered by the city council's support and progress in securing resource consent.

The project aims to build a Pacific-inspired, multi-purpose space above the demolished earthquake-prone car park beneath Frank Kitts Park, enabling Wellingtonians to host various events.

The initiative’s funding includes contributions of $10 million each from the central government and Victoria University, along with additional fundraising efforts to cover the remaining estimated costs, which range from $10m to $15m.

In an interview with William Terite on Pacific Mornings, Project Director Peter Dow said that the Wellington City Council voted 16-2 to keep the Fale Malae project alive.

He said the council would allocate over $20m to strengthen the existing structure and “keep what’s currently there with all of its current shortcomings”.

“We recognise that the council had some financial difficulties, that's no secret,” Dow said.

Watch Peter Dow’s full interview via 531pi’s FB below.

“What we've proposed is that we will take responsibility for doing all of the work from Fairboys Quay through to the Promenade and that we're asking council for a contribution, which is capped, which then allows them to be able to understand exactly what their total liability is.

“The works that we're undertaking on behalf of council are in the order of around, if council's contribution would otherwise be in excess, $10 million and we're capping that contribution at $5 million.”

The project has been in development since 2021, with Dow noting that its lengthy process stems from the council’s commitment to ensuring the initiative’s viability and understanding all associated risks.

"That's the process that we're going through at the moment, is demonstrating to them that we have done our homework, that we have got a programme and a project that is just world-class.

“It's iconic. We use the word iconic lightly, but this is truly world-class - It's stunning.”

Mayor Tory Whanau and mana whenua have given the project overwhelming support, with a 17-1 vote in favour from councillors and mana whenua representatives.

Despite earlier pushback from groups like the Wellington Civic Trust, which argued against any buildings on Frank Kitts Park, Dow said that no significant heritage issues related to the current building would justify its retention.

“I think that we've had a good hearing from all the councillors. We respect those that didn't support it because they at least listened to our arguments.

The project is on track despite financial constraints. Photo/Fale Malae Trust.

“They weren't persuaded, but the majority saw the immense benefit to the council from a financial perspective.

“In terms of the heritage issues, there are no real heritage issues with this building. I haven't heard anybody claim that it's something that should be kept.

“If there is, I'm sure there'll be people… jumping online and letting us know quickly, but we've not heard anybody say anything about any heritage issues that should justify retaining the building.”

Dow believes the project will provide cultural, social and economic benefits, serving as an “exceptional waterfront activation and tourism facility”.

He remained optimistic about the project’s timeline, aiming for an opening date in around three years.

"As soon as we get our resource consent, then we're into our final design, funding and getting on to the building.

“That's the exciting part is that after a long time of working, planning and creating [because] beautiful things take time to create.

“We've taken the time, but now we're camping at the bit to get on with it.”