Te Manawa (the heart) is a fantastic new facility in Westgate featuring a community hub and library. As a resident of North West Auckland, it was a thrill to watch it being built over the past year.

I am in the midst of completing my Masters and have hit a flat patch over the past month… I was overthinking the concepts and lacked clarity on the direction of my project. Needing inspiration, I decided to base myself in Te Manawa for the very first time. I had heard many great things about the vibrant new space and I admired the architecture from the outside.

After having a coffee and lugging my heavy bag into Te Manawa, I located some quiet study spaces on the 1st floor. I loved the open plan of the building, the high ceilings, the earthy colours, the sleek furniture. It felt very calming as I eased myself on the soft blue chair by the window. Almost instantly I was able to focus on my readings, opening my mind up to concepts I hadn’t acknowledged or welcomed before. The space felt comfortable and unobtrusive, despite others working around me.

After a solid three hours of study, I ventured around Te Manawa and marvelled at the construction of the building; the view from upstairs is impressive and allows you to look down onto the ground floor. The clever use of glass provides interesting views from every angle. Te Manawa also features a Citizen’s Advice Bureau, an innovative Creative Workshop space, contemporary and visually creative bookshelves, and well-lit function room spaces. This facility certainly has heart and I look forward to coming here again soon.

Find out more about Te Manawa.