Rose Street Bus Hub recognised with top architecture award
Published on 22 June 2026
Our Rose Street Bus Hub has taken top honours in the Public Architecture category at the 2026 Auckland Architecture Awards.
At the awards ceremony on Thursday 18 June 2026, judges recognised the project for its thoughtful design and significant contribution to the community.
The award highlights more than architectural excellence, celebrating how the hub is improving public transport accessibility and creating a safer, more welcoming space for residents and visitors.
The judges noted the project’s significant civic contribution, describing it as an example of how a relatively small intervention can deliver wide-reaching benefits.
“Rose Street Bus Hub shows how a small project can deliver outsized civic benefits. Replacing a neglected and unwelcoming corner with clear shelter, amenities and a new laneway link, it makes Whangārei's public transport safer, more legible and inviting to use,” the judges said.
Senior Landscape Architect Tracey Moore said the recognition reflects the strong collaboration between Whangarei District Council and Northland Regional Council, with NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi funding playing a key role in enabling the project and its people-focused design. She also acknowledged the high-quality work delivered by design firm Isthmus and constructor A-Line Construction in achieving the successful outcome.
“This project has always been about creating a space that feels safe, welcoming and easy to use for people of all ages and ability,” Moore said. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see that approach recognised at a regional level.”
The judges also acknowledged the hub’s practical and enduring design approach, noting its durability and strong sense of place.
“A restrained, robust palette and buildable detailing prioritise durability, ease of maintenance and rapid delivery, while the kōwhai-yellow soffit and planting support brand identity and place,” they said.
Moore said the project was intentionally designed to balance functionality with identity.
“We wanted something that would stand the test of time, be easy to maintain, and still feel distinctly Whangārei,” she said. “The design features help connect the space to the wider city while making it clearly identifiable and easy to navigate.”
Beyond its immediate function, the Rose Street Bus Hub is being recognised as a key piece in a wider vision for Whangārei’s city connections.
“Beyond its immediate utility, the hub is understood as the first stitch in a broader network of city connections – an aspirational move that builds public trust through design and sets a standard for future public works,” the judges said.
Moore said this forward-thinking approach was central to the project.
“This is just one part of a bigger picture. It demonstrates how well-designed public infrastructure can support stronger connections across our city and encourage more people to use public transport,” she said.
The award is a testament to the collaboration, creativity and commitment of the many teams involved, from planning and design through to delivery. It also reinforces the role of people-focused infrastructure in shaping safer, more accessible and more inviting public spaces for the community.