The dominant Western perspective in Aotearoa New Zealand commonly undervalues Māori knowledge as a source of information. As Aotearoa moves forward in a post-colonial context this needs to change when imagining Aotearoa’s future built environments. INTERWEAVE considers the combination of cultural and historical narratives shared from local mana whenua alongside locally sourced materials that can be woven together and the co-design partnership that is shared throughout the process.

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This research proposes a design engagement process that will assist me in working corroboratively with my whānau who are mana whenua in the specific site of my hometown of Waitara. Waitara’s complex history provides an opportunity to create spaces that capture its raw cultural and historical importance and through a meaningful partnership with mana whenua can achieve this.

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INTERWEAVE is a research proposal for Spatial Research and Development 2018.