Towards integrating Tikanga Maori principles into practice

It has been at least a couple of years since I started to reflect on how my practice can be enriched by opening ourselves to deepening our understanding of Tikanga Maori principles, and how this broadens our worldview and our process. It has been interesting to note that during these last couple of years there has been for other practices in Aotearoa New Zealand, a greater acknowledgement of the power and benefit this way of working has provided to the architectural process .

The Te Aranga Principles - which are part of the Auckland Council Design Manual, have been adopted by architects and developers through the support of local iwi, which have proven a greater depth and creative expression to completed projects. But more importantly, a deepening of relationships with the Mana Whenua of the place.

What are the Te Aranga Principles? A brief summary of these seven principles are as follows. Mana - Rangatirantanga/Authority. Whakapapa - Names and Naming. Taiao - the natural environment is protected, restored and/or enhanced. Mauri Tu - environmental health is protected, maintained and/or enhanced. Mahi Toi - Iwi/hapu narratives are expressed creatively and appropriately. Tohu - the wider cultural landscapes are acknowledged and help inform/shape the expression. Ahi Ka - Iwi/hapu have a living and enduring presence.

For me, these principles are mutually aligned to regenerative and sacred practice, where deep respect for relationship and all of life are central to the process of creating. I see the Te Aranga Principles as the starting block in creating the change that we need in our industry to enable us to survive the crisis we as humans have created.

Po Pahiki sculptor Anton Forde

This is a journey towards healing and health. Healing and health of the whenua, Papatuanuku, the source of all of life is the first priority in any creative process. This in turn will allow the next step of supporting the healing and health of the mauri that makes up the web of connections that sustain life. By listening, learning and acknowledging right process, we can develop relationships with the spiritual beings, all of life, the land and the people. In this way we can begin to work with the integrity of the whole and journey towards healing and health of people.