PROJECT
Te Iho (formerly Bowen House)
CLIENT
Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE)
Our team gets results:
te Iho
Te Iho, formerly Bowen house, has been reimagined as a modern, flexible workplace that brings multiple public sector agencies together under one roof. The full refurbishment of the 22‑storey building delivers a connected, future‑focused environment that supports collaboration, mobility, and the shared intent of the Public Service Act 2020.
The project included a complete interior fitout from Ground to Level 21, delivered alongside seismic and base‑building upgrades under a parallel Crown contract. Te Iho features open‑plan workspaces, dedicated meeting floors, a Leadership Development Hub, and shared ‘connect’ levels designed to strengthen cross‑agency interaction. Complemented by extensive stakeholder engagement, the design reflects cultural values, operational needs, and long‑term flexibility. The building is designed to achieve 5 Star Green Star and 4.5 Star NABERS ratings.
TBIG led the fitout from design through to delivery, managing the consultant team keeping the project tightly connected with MBIE and sub‑leasing agencies. We coordinated design development, procurement, tendering, and Building Consent processes. During construction, our team maintained a strong on‑site presence within a complex live, high‑security environment. We ensured fitout works aligned with seismic upgrades to minimise disruption and avoid rework.
A defining aspect of the project was the embedding of Te Āti Awa Taranaki Whānui’s cultural narrative into the heart of the building. Guided by Len Hetet and Manukorihi Winiata, the concept of He Uranga — a place of convergence — informed key design elements, including the central stair wrapped in He Korowai, symbolising protection and connection. These features ground the building in its whakapapa and support the Māori–Crown relationship.
Delivered on time and within budget, Te Iho sets a new benchmark for government accommodation: a shared, sustainable, culturally aligned workplace that supports a unified and agile public service.
Photography: Warren and Mahoney, photographer Ian Hutchinson
