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LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE AOTEAROA
pollution in ways that help ease difficulties experienced between whānau and hapū members over land tenure changes or access use rights . Visualising potential encourages more kaitiaki to engage , raising hopes that the current state of valued ecosystems within cultural landscapes might change . The design projects are regularly exhibited at Ōtaki library and at Te Takere Community Centre in Levin . They are well received and reveal the exciting potential of what could happen in the region .
• Mahi Toi : Design and artistic excellence should be present and evident .
Through the use of illustrative software informed by a holistic Māori learning framework , the student ’ s work from an enriched mana whenua basis . The design focus is on an integration of cultural values rather than the typical token use of Māori cultural motif . From the initial focus group work , the developed protocols and improved and more effective wānanga models to the later cultural heritage awards on a global stage ( the work was recently awarded equal second out of 100 entries at the 8th international Barcelona Biennial , specifically for its cultural heritage focus ) the project honours a praxis that is grounded in Māori methodology but where a rich , interface between knowledge systems can take place respectfully .
• Ahi Kā : The project should encourage and provide for Mana Whenua use and understanding of place .
Ngā Hapū o Ōtaki shareholders are key kaitiaki ( guardians ) of Lake Wairongomai north of Ōtaki , whilst Ngāti Te Rangitāwhia , Te Mateawa , Ngāti Kapumanawawhiti and Ngāti Tukorehe guard and protect Te Hākari dune wetland and Kuku Ōhau Estuary frontage undergoing active rehabilitation at Kuku , north of Waikawa . The purpose of the project is to work with these mana whenua to protect place and knowledge of place , based on custodial occupation , to ensure the environmental / cultural context is maintained in a fit state for the next generations to come .
• Mātauranga : The project should challenge , augment and extend the corpus of indigenous , Aotearoa landscape architecture knowledge and experience .
We are attempting to reestablish the role of human interdependencies and inter-relationships to each other , to the natural , spiritual and cultural in landscape and to allow dynamic movement between them . Such thinking is central to a Māori environmental worldview . While the narratives of place are recounted in the context of Māori lives experienced within contemporary Māori society , engagement with the knowledge base of both cultures has taken place in a
MAURI TU : Environmental mauri ( including the human environment ) should be enhanced
productive and respectful way , to deepen our understanding of landscape and the practice of landscape architecture in Aotearoa New Zealand .
• Hāpai : The project should motivate and encourage Māori to engage with landscape architecture .
Since 2011 various kaitiaki , including kaumatua have come to the design critiques . Many groups have engaged with the wānanga and the design students have enthused rangatahi ( youth ) from kura kaupapa ( Māori immersion schools ). Whakatupuranga Rua Mano Kura kaupapa students in Ōtaki are now actively engaged with Waiorongomai revitalization activities . The project is also engaged with the reinvigoration of the flax industry , inviting experts to the studio , including Rangi Te Kanawa ( Conservator of Māori Textiles at Te Papa and Harakeke Agent for the renewed industry ), Urban Lynch ( Engineer and Designer responsible for mechanizing the stripping process ), the Tahamata Incorporation Board ( owners of the land for the pilot project ), and iwi and hapū . All are excited by the role that landscape architecture can play as a discipline that thinks holistically , designs possible futures and visualizes these in ways that engage industry and both Māori and non- Māori communities .
• Wairuatanga : The project considers the concept of spiritual energy and dimension as a means for well-being .
Spiritual energy is the product of vital relationships with lands and healthy ecosystems . The project briefs 6 are established to ensure that cultural affirmation , social wellbeing , balanced economic growth and