Experiencing land, memory, and lived knowledge

Ananda Acharya & Konstantinos Antonopoulos (Group 01)

Through our research and analysis of Te Motu Kairangi, we understood the severity and importance that historical events have had on the land. More specifically, the importance of Tāngata Māori, Māori concepts, Pā and Kāinga locations, and military structures. With these factors in mind, we came to appreciate the strong sense of identity that is embedded within Te Motu Kairangi, and ultimately the possibilities of acknowledging, and highlighting its heritage.

For us, heritage is the entity that exists through the assemblage of sub-heritage categories. Cultural Heritage, Building Heritage, Military Heritage etc, categories that when joint create an ever-changing heritage, a living heritage. Knowing that Te Motu Kairangi has a strong sense of community engagement and a proactive approach, we wanted to acknowledge the cohesion and understanding of its heritage through education.

Our Pūkenga approach of passing down knowledge through land, mana whenua, and knowledge aims to introduce an interactive educational system for Te Motu Kairangi children, communities, and extended Wellington communities. We believe that this educational approach will instil a dynamic knowledge and practice of heritage that would otherwise become static and lost in history.

Our goal is to create an interactive experience from Tarakena Bay to Mātai Moana, through distinct design interventions, planting pallets and communal stewardship and engagement. All elements that will tie in together to produce a deeper understanding and most importantly connection with the heritage and history of Te Motu Kairangi. 

Design intentions such as two Seatoun School community planting areas that aim to commemorate Oruaiti Pā, ecological restorations spread throughout the landscape, and a Te Rotokura (Miramar’s red lake, 1840’s) walkway that provides historical awareness, all interconnect to revitalise our awareness and understanding of Te Motu Kairangi.