Tiny Huts on the move

A New Brighton Tiny Hut has been gifted by the Council to the school where it was created as three of the Tiny Huts make way for a new playground.

Te Wharau was a winning design from Shirley Boys' High School student Manaia Wilson-Moses in Christchurch City Council’s Tiny Huts Design Competition last year. Manaia’s wharau, or temporary shelter, won the schools section of the competition. 

Shirley Boys' High School students perform a haka during a ceremony where the Tiny Hut was gifted to the school.

The five winning Tiny Huts, each one just two metres by two metres, were originally planned as a temporary feature to liven up New Brighton's public spaces last summer. They became so popular that in March the local community voted they should stay longer. Now three of the huts need to be moved as construction work begins on New Brighton’s new Beachside Playground.

Shirley Boys' High requested Te Wharau for its grounds and the Community Board agreed to give it to the school. A hand-over ceremony was held yesterday to welcome the hut to its new home with Manaia as a guest of honour.

The Year 10 student is proud to have the structure he designed in pride of place at his school. "It was originally blessed here and I'm happy that it's been gifted back. It's a pretty big achievement in my life." 

Shirley Boys' High School Head of Maths Tom Davies, who encouraged Manaia to enter the competition, said it was fitting to have Te Wharau relocated to the school.

“We’re very proud to have Te Wharau and when we move to the new school site in 2019 we will have a permanent place for it there.” 

Of the remaining Tiny Huts, The Turret has been removed and will be decommissioned because it has suffered wear and tear from high usage due to its popularity. The Shell Chapel may also need to be moved and the Council is working with Development Christchurch Ltd, who are managing the construction of the beachside playground, and will seek feedback from the community about its new location. 

Two others, The Art-o-mat and #MyBrightonHut, are not affected and will be staying where they are.

The structures have been an excellent addition to the area but moving three of them to make way for a new playground is a sign of progress, said Carolyn Ingles, Head of Urban Regeneration, Urban Design and Heritage. “The Council has been delighted with the community involvement in the Tiny Huts Design Competition, from the initial design entries through to the active community use and care of the huts. They were always intended to be a transitional project, but it’s positive to see the next big step being taken towards a new chapter for New Brighton.” 

The new beachside playground will include water play and a splash pad, a dry play zone, and an area for toddlers.  The Council has approved about $8 million for the playground, a contribution towards the New Brighton Surf Life Saving Club, and coastal protection work. A further $11.2 million has been budgeted for the New Brighton hot pools alongside the playground.

Coastal-Burwood Community Board Deputy Chair Tim Sintes says the changes are part of a wave of positive developments for New Brighton. “The Tiny Huts were all built for a short time, they weren’t designed to last forever and I think they’ve achieved their goal.

“The playground is going to be fantastic for children and the local community is very positive about the saltwater pool as well, so they’re the priorities in the area. Having the Council commit funding to these projects has sent a clear message that things are moving forward.”