2019

Ngāti Hine Pou Korero

A series of pou kōrero that identify sites of significance in Ngāti Hine.
This project was derived from a kaupapa initiated by Te Reo o Ngāti Hine Charitable Trust which is a community group focused on the revitalization and on-going development of te reo o Ngāti Hine and education.

It originally started as a hīkoi through the community beginning in Moerewa and ending in Matawaia with a vision to clean up rubbish in these areas. Whilst on the hikoi the community would learn the stories of the area and experience how complacency has impacted on kaitiakitanga of the whenua and the history.

In 2019 ĀKAU worked with a rōpū of tamariki from Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Taumarere on design concepts for a series of pou kōrero (signs) along this route that highlight sites of significance in and around Moerewa where the majority of the tamariki live. This year we installed 6 pou at the first site, Te Rere I Tiria with the vision that eventually they will be installed at 16 sites throughout Ngāti Hine. These initial pou feature the drawings created by the tamariki on what it meant to be kaitiaki. It was a very special moment watching them recognize their beautiful mahi in this project!

The design development of this project was done in collaboration with our dear friend and talented designer Catherine Griffiths.

Through this community project and by engaging tamariki of Te kura Kaupapa Māori o Taumarere in the creative process we hope it raises awareness and inspires the community to participate in the care and protection of these areas in the future.
Photography: Jonny Davis