Meet the Architect - Jackie Robinson

Let's Build
Written By Kim Manunui

From the very first conversation, Jackie Robinson of Jackie Robinson Architecture has been right at the heart of the Let’s Build project. When we shared our vision of creating a transportable home to raise funds for Lake Taupō Hospice, Jackie didn’t just say yes — she immediately set to work, generously donating her time, expertise, and passion to design a home with purpose.

The result? The Kowhai Home – a thoughtfully crafted, fully transportable two-bedroom dwelling that blends comfort, lifestyle, and practicality. Designed with 66.5m² of purposeful space, it features two bedrooms, an open-plan living and kitchen area, and a ranch slider that opens to a covered verandah — perfect for indoor-outdoor living. It’s move-in ready and, importantly, designed for easy relocation, making it an ideal fit for a variety of lifestyles and locations.

With over 40 years of experience, and a born and bred local, Jackie Robinson is known in Taupō and beyond for her honest, intuitive, and intelligent designs. Her architectural studio specialises in creating homes that truly reflect the people who live in them — and in this case, the community that stands behind them.

Thanks to Jackie, the Kowhai Home is more than just a house — it’s a symbol of generosity, collaboration, and community spirit. Her design perfectly balances aesthetic appeal and everyday functionality, and it’s been tailored specifically to meet the needs of this unique fundraiser.

Thank you, Jackie, for not only designing a beautiful home but for being one of the very first to say “I’m in.” Your creativity and kindness have helped lay the foundation — quite literally — for something truly special.

Stay tuned as the build takes shape at 139 Ruapehu Street, right in the heart of Taupō, with the support of Livingstone Building and our incredible partners. The Let’s Build project will culminate in a live auction, with all proceeds supporting the vital care Lake Taupō Hospice provides.

For all project information check out our website here

Kim Manunui

Hi, I’m Kim and I work with a great team to help individuals, as well as small and not so small businesses get their message, product and services to the world using digital media and creating wonderful websites that don’t cost the earth.

I was born in Canada, and grew up around Vancouver and the mountains of British Columbia. My love of pristine environments led me to New Zealand and eventually to the mountains, lakes and rivers of the central North Island which is home. My family’s heritage is here, and it’s from here that Korio traverses the planet.

The digital world is never static and neither are we.

And I say ‘we’ because I work with an awesome group of talented people who I gather together as required to complete a project.  Whatever your business, not-for-profit or individual needs are we gather the best team to get the job done.

Collaboratively we are creative, share sustainable values and work hard for great outcomes because that’s the buzz of satisfaction that drives us.

If you have an audience and market to reach, we can make that happen. Creative design, words that work and smart behind the scenes stuff that cuts through the online noise. We’ll design your website and then build it. We’ll manage the content as well as all your hosting needs. We can handle your online advertising so you get noticed,
and we’ll manage your social media presence so you get the clicks, likes and engagement to grow your business. All within the budget you set, because none of this needs to cost the earth.  And the job doesn’t stop when your website goes live. We are your virtual business partner.

https://www.korio.co.nz
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An Afternoon with Dr. Frances Pitsilis
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Launching the ‘Let’s Build’ Project