A new chapter in the Brick Bay Folly programme has begun, with the unveiling of Yellow Post, an architectural sculpture standing 11 metres tall on a newly activated site at Brick Bay on the Matakana Coast.

Yellow Post was designed and constructed by four emerging architects—George Culling, Oliver Prisk, Henry Mabin and André Vachias—graduates of Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington’s School of Architecture. The project honours the architectural and cultural legacy of traditional Māori Hākari stages: monumental timber platforms constructed by iwi in the Northland settlement of Kororāreka (now Russell) for celebration, congregation, and the sharing of kai.

The folly consists of twelve tapered glulam posts painted in Resene’s ‘Broom’ yellow. The posts are connected by horizontal elements, some of which are wrapped in fabric, referencing the terraced stages of the Hākari that were used to store kai. These ‘sails’ catch the wind, creating a clever maze of mass, light and shadow.

Initially proposed at 8.5 metres, the height was increased to 11 metres following mentor guidance—allowing the folly to take full command of its prominent hillside location. Set near the entrance to Brick Bay, it serves as a compelling symbol of arrival.

From meticulous mathematical planning to ensure stability on varied ground levels, to months spent painting and assembling 150 precision-machined timber elements, the team’s commitment never wavered. Materials were painted and prepared off-site, then transported and installed on location over a four-week period.

Crucially, the team worked with Ngāti Manuhiri throughout the development of the design, ensuring the concept respectfully referenced Māori traditions. After its term at Brick Bay, it will be dismantled and elements of the folly will be reused to build another folly.

The folly programme, now in its tenth year, is proudly sponsored by Resene, Cassidy Construction, Cheshire Architects, Structure Design, Unitec, Architecture NZ / ArchitectureNow and Sam Hartnett Photography.

Yellow Post is open to all visitors at Brick Bay, and will remain on-site for the next three years as part of the evolving sculpture trail exhibition, which features over 60 contemporary large-scale artworks.