Unitec students revive Maori architecture form

Unitec students revive Maori architecture form, not seen since the 1800s

At dawn on Friday 14June, Auckland waterfront will be transformed as Matariki Paparewa, a traditional, celebratory Maori structure, is unveiled. The impressive structure, featuring 26 bamboo cluster flag masts,is a form of Maori architecture not seen since the 1800s. It is built around Silo Park's gantry as part of the 5th Auckland Triennial, New Zealand's premier contemporary art exhibition.

Designed and built by students of Unitec's Te Hononga Maori Architecture Studio, the design takes its cues from the architecture of historical 'Hakari' stages. These structures acted as the centrepiece at large hui and were traditionally used to store food for guests and to display the mana of the hosts.

"It will be the first time in 170 years that this type of structure will have been seen in Auckland," says Rau Hoskins, Unitec Bachelor of Architecture Lecturer.

"It's a significant enterprise, not just in terms of the physical nature of the structure and the sense of occasion that it evokes, but also in terms of reviving the tradition and significance of this form of architecture that was used by our ancestors."

Jade Kake, one of twelve Unitec Bachelor of Architecture students working on the project, says Matariki Paparewa's been a fantastic experience in terms of teamwork and real-world application of the concepts they're studying - "we've all learnt so much."

"Matariki Paparewa celebrates the Maori New Year, referencing the seven stars of Matariki and also acknowledges local mana whenua," says Jade. "For me this project is really important in generating dialogue about what it means to be Maori in Tamaki Makaurau, Auckland - particularly for mana whenua."

In addition to the Matariki Paparewa at Silo Park, the students' project work will be showcased at Auckland Art Gallery in the Lab, a dedicated project space within the gallery developed for the Triennial. The Matariki Paparewa Lab will feature a video time-lapse charting the project's progress and a live webcam that overlooks the gantry site at Silo Park, along with models, sketches and banner sewing. Matariki Paparewa is one of five Lab projects featuring in the Triennial.

Frith Walker, Place Manager from Waterfront Auckland, the Council organisation which manages Silo Park says it has been an absolute privilege to be involved in such a meaningful project.

"Urban design and quality architecture are hallmarks of this new part of the city however it's not every day we get to showcase a form of architecture that honours our past in such a culturally significant way - and from the future of our design ecology. Matariki Paparewa captures the meaning of Matariki and Triennial perfectly and is tailor made for our beloved gantry structure. We're honoured to have been able to support its creation."

Matariki Paparewa is on display throughout Matariki (Maori New Year), from
14 June - 21 July at Silo Park and at Auckland Art Gallery's Lab from 11 - 30 June.

For more information go to www.unitec.ac.nz/paparewa, visit the 'matarikipaparewa' facebook page or follow @paparewaLAB on twitter.

For more information about the 5th Auckland Triennial go to www.aucklandltriennial.com, visit the '5thAKLTriennial' on facebook or follow @AKLTriennial on twitter.

ENDS

About Unitec's Te Hononga Maori Studio
Unitec's Te Hononga Maori Architecture Studio has run design projects for Maori clients for over 13 years. Students learn how to integrate traditional forms and materials with innovative and sustainable technologies.

Te Hononga has developed expertise in articulating local language to guide students through an investigative approach to cultural landscapes, living patterns, identifying sustainable solutions, discovering appropriate materials and evaluating construction solutions while engaging in experiential opportunities.

About the 5th Auckland Triennial

The 5th Auckland Triennial If you were to live here... is New Zealand's premier international contemporary art exhibition and seeks to ignite ongoing thinking, discussion and action through its Lab series.

The 5th Auckland Triennial is organised by Auckland Art Gallery with major partner AUT University and exhibition partners Artspace, Auckland Museum, Fresh Gallery Otara, George Fraser Gallery, Gus Fisher Gallery, ST PAUL St Gallery, Waterfront Auckland's Silo 6, Silo Park and The Film Archive.

The 5th Auckland Triennial runs from 10 May - 11 August 2013. Artspace, The Film Archive and Silo Park end their Triennial presentation on 13 July 2013.

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