The Translation, Uptake, and Impact (TUI) team has been working with Whakauae summer student Hakopa Ririnui (Ngāi te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Pūkenga) to apply a new creative lens to research dissemination.
Hakopa is developing a digital artefact that visually communicates key themes emerging from Kia Puāwai’s Tō Mātou Kāinga, Tō Mātou Ūkaipō research project. Tō Mātou Kāinga explores the meaning of home through a te ao Māori lens, providing the foundation for Hakopa's creative exploration in mediums such as moving image and animation. The final output will contribute to an exhibition at the "Re-imagining Māori and Home" symposium being held at the AUT campus in Tāmaki Makaurau on the 17th of July 2025.
Hakopa’s evolving output will reflect the richness of the whānau voices from the Tō Mātou Kāinga project, and inspire audiences through its creativity, emotional resonance, and kaupapa Māori principles to engage with the work. The aim of the final piece of work will be to offer another perspective of home and housing for Māori, and to connect with audiences at the symposium and beyond.
Creative reinterpretation of research findings allows for deeper engagement and fosters new ways of understanding and connecting with kaupapa Māori research. By using design, animation, and other artistic expressions, the TUI approach aims to enhance the impact of research dissemination to ensure that the lived experiences and voices of whānau Māori are honored and shared in ways that inspire action and meaningful reflection.
Key research themes that will be reflected in the digital artefact:
Dual notions of home:
For many Māori, "home" can transcend a physical location, becoming a portable concept defined by relational and community ties.
Fluidity and adaptability of identity:
Māori identity is not static but evolves with circumstances, accommodating both tribal and pan-tribal expressions.
Continuity amidst change:
Despite geographical and generational differences, whakapapa remains a foundational element of identity that connects people to their ancestry, community, and whenua.
Cultural resistance and reconnection:
Whakapapa acts as a "lifeline," to help Māori navigate modern challenges and retain our distinct worldview and identity.
We look forward to seeing Hakopa's creative contribution to the Tō Mātou Kāinga symposium. Keep an eye out for updates as this exciting project unfolds!
