Home of Compassion

The Sisters of Compassion’s 3.8 hectare Island Bay site is the Sisters’ homeland and the burial site of the venerated Suzanne Aubert – likely to become New Zealand’s first saint.

Studio Pacific masterplanned the redevelopment of this significant historic site and buildings and designed the accompanying landscape, retreat and visitor’s centre refurbishment.

The project was undertaken with a carefully considered processional approach, which reveals aspects of Mother Aubert’s life, death, and values with strong links to the New Zealand bush as well as her French roots. A new arrival sequence and courtyard with a waharoa welcomes people, with a striking water feature and rill symbolising life and the coming together of different cultures.