Credits
-
Pou Auaha / Creative Directors
Anzac Tasker, Jef Wong -
Pou Rautaki / Strategic Leads
Sam Currie, Mike Pepper -
Pou Taketake / Cultural Leads
Andrew Baker, Anzac Tasker, Ephraim Russell
-
Ringatoi Matua / Design Directors
Tony Masterantonio, Oscar Fernandez -
Kaituhi Matua / Copywriter Lead
Sam O’Flaherty
-
Ngā Kaimahi / Team Members
Tracey Goodall, Robin Heyworth, Natalia Mitchell, Marisa Newman, Daniel Roebuck, John Ratcliff, Kathryn Cunningham - Designworks, Warren Muller, Chris Toulis, Ashley Mcbride, Dave Mullins, Ahleen Raynor, Janie Tillie, Dan Lloyd, Greg Smith, Chloe Jensen, Sebastian Négri, Paul Trowell, Cathy Baker, Leah Surynt, Bella Martin, Tim Long, Andrew Holder-Ross, Dave Black, Tai Poppleton, Tai Poppleton, Aidan Turvey, Erini Compton, Oscar Thomas, Amanda Sommerville, Tom Malem -
Kaitautoko / Contributors
Tini Winiata, Wayne Tasker, Elliot Stansfield, Alistair McCready, Keith Strode-Penny
-
Client
Great Journeys New Zealand
Description:
Mā te huruhuru, ka rere te manu — with strong feathers, the great bird will glide.
Presented with the challenge to enhance and continue a 150 year rail journey, Kiwirail made the
bold move to invest in creating a premium rail experience in addition to its wider offering.
A world class and distinctly Aotearoa New Zealand travel experience that creates a deeper
connection to people, place and is underpinned by our nation’s rich cultural tapestry to leave a
long-lasting and memorable impression for our respected manuhiri.
The strategic concept of ‘Aotearoa Sensory Embrace’ is about connecting people closer the
distinctive nature and spirit of this place, creating holistic sensorial experiences, and embracing the journey over the destination.
The metaphorical design idea, ‘manuhiri’, delivers this through the vehicle of design. The
gathering of the birds, this is about moving away from viewing our visitors as customers and
engaging as valued guests that has made a journey to be with us, in our home.
These concepts where used to create a signature aesthetic and service style, drawing from the
colours, textures and forms of our many native manu and the landscapes they call home.
Working tirelessly within the frictions of highly technical ‘built to code’ rail engineering, cultural
storytelling and the art of reduction, the reimagined carriages were sculpted to embody our
birdlife – the vertebrae the hold the carriage together designed in collaboration with mana
whenua artists to encapsulate the intertwining of our manu.
Bespoke ceramics were carved raw in clay, then engineered to code by local artists, story
tellers and engineers, taking the enchanting form of shared pūrakau ‘Ngā manu karu’ - the eyes
of our guardians. Designed to add visual elegance, watching over our people and our guest as
the glide through the motu. An experience made richer when illuminated while moving through
dark passages, tunnels and of course Hine-nui-te-pō, goddess of our night skies.
The colour palette draws directly from the hues inherent in our natural land, sea and sky
domains and echoing the iridescence of our featherscape. They were applied in alignment to
lighting to embellish the serene moments throughout the carriage interior. A strong, bold
exterior intentionally made graphic to integrate itself into the vast and rhythmic landscape of
our nation — acting as the carriages Kahu Manu (feathered cloak).
Accents of texture woven into the fabric of staff uniforms that are a distinct and iconic physical
representation of the brand – the living spirit of manaakitanga, the universal practice of
complete care, which we carry with us wherever we go.
A feat in shared engineering and artistry, this project embodies five years of creative
exploration, a living example of tirititanga and multi-medium collaboration. The result is an
experience that travels further and shares the fruits of our tourism industry wider.
Having the journey blessed by mana whenua Ngāi Tūāhuriri and Ngāti Waewae prior launch to
ensure our hosts and guests travel with spiritual safety, a touching moment that signified a
special journey ahead, for all.