You’ve probably heard about Mānawa Bay by now – Auckland’s new premium retail outlet packed with designer brands. But it’s more than just a shopping destination, Mānawa Bay is a beacon of thoughtful, sustainable design and innovation, setting new benchmarks for retail centres nationwide. We spoke to Linh Luong, Mānawa Bay Centre Manager, to get the inside scoop.
At the heart of this project is a strong commitment to sustainability, reflected in the centre’s 5 Green Star rating, making it the first outlet shopping centre in New Zealand to receive this accolade for design excellence. The centre, named after Mānawa (mangroves), beautifully integrates its waterside location with a figure-of-eight layout, embracing the natural environment. The thoughtful design isn’t just about aesthetics but about making a positive environmental impact as well.
One of its cornerstone features is an extensive rooftop solar system. “Once fully operational the system will inject 2.3 megawatts of renewable electricity into New Zealand’s grid per year,” Linh says. “There is also a zero-gas policy, meaning all the kitchens are run on electricity, which is no small feat.”
The dedication to green practices extends beyond energy too. During construction, over 500 jobs were created, and the project continues to make a positive impact by creating more than 750 jobs now that it’s fully operational.
The centre offers a thoughtfully designed playground for kids to have fun. “Our playground has been crafted using recycled materials, including leftover piles from Auckland Airport’s Transport Hub, and is overlooked from the alfresco dining space, next to Pukaki Creek,” says Linh.
Mānawa Bay’s connection to the environment is not just symbolic. Over 100,000 plants and 200 trees have been planted, creating a lush, park-like atmosphere that fosters a sense of tranquillity amidst the retail hustle. The outdoor dining areas offer a scenic experience, combining sustainability with comfort as shoppers enjoy their meals while overlooking the creek and gardens.
“Sustainability has been at the heart of Mānawa Bay from day one,” says Linh. “Our vision was to create more than just a retail destination – it’s about making a space that’s good for the community, the environment and the future of shopping in New Zealand.”
In addition to its sustainable design, Mānawa Bay offers a premium retail experience, with nearly 100 brands, including global icons like Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Swarovski and Nike, and some of which have opened their first-ever New Zealand stores. “People are genuinely excited about the variety of brands we offer, especially those that are new to New Zealand,” Linh says. “With being so new, we’ve also seen a great ‘novelty’ interest factor, with a lot of customers coming to check out what’s on offer.”
To celebrate its opening, Mānawa Bay has hosted a month of family-friendly events. From live music to face painting and a Let’s Grow Together school holiday giveaway offering free seedlings, these events reflect the centre’s ongoing commitment to the local community and the environment.
Mānawa Bay isn’t just setting the standard for retail excellence – it’s proving that luxury, community and sustainability can go hand-in-hand. This is a place where responsible retail is coming to life. Check out Mānawa Bay online or visit for yourself: 4 Jimmy Ward Cres, Auckland Airport, Auckland.
