Te Mātāwai is a Kāinga Ora social housing development located in downtown Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland.

The wayfinding needed to support residents and visitors in navigating the building while fostering a strong sense of identity, belonging, and community. Working as part of the Maynard team, a wayfinding system and spatial branding was developed that balances clarity and function with a strong sense of place. The hierarchy of signage and its placement responds to the different needs of residents and visitors throughout the building.

The design is inspired by the calming movement of Te Waihorotiu stream, which runs underground beneath the building, as well as the surrounding native bush canopy and birdlife. These elements inform a visual language that feels grounded, calming, and connected to its environment.