Mahūtonga Whenua : Creating an architecture through trans-colonisation of whenua in the Cardrona Valley

Abstract

Preservation of our unique Māori culture is not seen widely in the South Island; it is primarily unknown or naively disregarded. Through this research, I investigate how I - a Pākehā - can use architecture to transition toward a future that sees better understanding and collaboration between the people who have a vested interest in the snow-topped peaks of Central Otago. Aotearoa New Zealand is experiencing a shift in our architecture, moving away from the official bi-cultural position and moving toward a decolonised ideology. As a result, an idea surrounding transcolonisation being an alternative to decolonisation has emerged; and, in turn, become the driver of this research. Rather than stripping back all of Pākehā history for the past 180 years, I look to use these transitional ideas to change, adapt and redevelopment of the cross-country skiing and tramping facility Snow Farm in Cardrona. The main goal of this study is to create a community facility representative of our story as Aotearoa, New Zealand, built on the ideas of a solid connection to mana whenua (local land) and its tangata whenua (local people). Through transcolonisation of this space, the aim is to promote further an area where our local tourism market can flourish, engaging with people from all backgrounds. The methodology has centred on transitioning from a Pākehā to a Māori framework. Framing the research has been key to analysing Māori values and history. From the start, it required me to look inward, learning my pepeha and whakapapa, before I began designing something outward. The final results of my thesis have led to the understanding that a Marae does not need to be a traditional whare whakairo (carved meeting house). The people will come as long as it continues to have strong connections to mana whenua and, most importantly, tangata whenua. Creating architecture that relies on building solid relationships will be beneficial to the users and local community. The significance of this investigation has been vital in giving me an insight into my position as a Pākehā architectural graduate with Tiriti o Waitangi. In addition, it has given me a good understanding of what I can do to better collaborate with our Māori community and work together for the future of Aotearoa, New Zealand.