New Dunedin commercial development with iwi backing getting attention

Dunedin’s commercial property landscape is getting an overhaul, providing more parking and medical services in the process.

The Mataukareao development, on 50 Great King Street, a project by Hapai Commercial Property LP, is an investment by a large collective of iwi and mana whenua (Ōtākou Rūnaka) in Dunedin. The building will house Pacific Radiology Group and a major government tenant as anchor tenants and provide much needed public car parking for Dunedin (which will be leased and managed by Dunedin City Council).

The building has been named Mataukareao by Ōtākou Rūnaka. Mataukareao was a nohoaka and tauraka waka (landing place for waka) at the bottom of present-day Hanover Street. Matau is a hook and Kareao (supplejack) were recorded as growing on the flat below Hanover and Frederick Street.

Ōtākou Rūnaka chair Nadia Wesley-Smith, welcomes the opportunity for mana whenua to impart their history and narrative on the building, and Dunedin, adding the development with Hāpai presents an opportunity for Ōtākou to set out an authentic narrative in the city, in addition to enabling an investment in commercial property.

“The harbour was and remains a crucial waterway for Otakou. We view it as our river, our highway for travel to Ōtepoti and further into the mainland.

“Ōtākou have a responsibility to grow an intergenerational economy, and the relationship with Hāpai and the development of Mataukareao enables that.”

Hāpai commercial property general manager Bevan Hames says, “Mataukareao is a significant development for the Dunedin commercial office market in terms of both scale, high standard of specification and quality, as well as a five-star green rating.

“The focus on sustainability, carbon offsets and energy efficiency aligns to the shared values of Hapai’s iwi investors.”

The building will be six-levels, with four-levels of A-grade office space, and 2-levels of carparking available, some of which is public parking managed by DCC.

“Pacific Radiology will be an anchor tenant, and will bring advanced medical technology to the region,” Hames says.

Pacific Radiology is the country’s largest private radiology provider. This branch in Dunedin will host the latest in digital PET/CT scanner technology,  MRI, CT, ultrasound, x-ray and breast imaging service

“The Matakareao development provides the ideal setting to house our new flagship Dunedin branch. The team behind this development have put a lot of thought into the design to ensure it meets the needs of the community culturally, ecologically and practically,” RHCNZ Medical Imaging group chief executive Terry McLaughlin says.

The development also includes provisions for public benefit, with the Dunedin City Council set to provide some public parking.

Mayor Jules Radich is pleased with the investment by Hāpai, with Ōtākou, into the city.

“The project is strategically positioned to integrate with the city's existing infrastructure, strengthening urban connectivity. We’re proud to be part of Mataukareao, which will provide much-needed parking and enhance the amenity of the Bus Hub area,” he said.

A major Crown tenant have recently confirmed they will also be a tenant. One floor remains available for lease as a whole or in parts. 

Designed by Sheppard & Rowte Architects, the project is being built by Apollo Projects, it is due for completion in April 2025.

Main image (supplied): A computer render of the new commercial development due for completion next year.