Objectspace
Client: Objectspace
Team: Reihana Parata and Morehu Flutey-Henare
Location: Ponsonby, Auckland
Start Date: July 2023
End Date: September 2023
Featured: Architecture Now Article
Following the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes, the establishment of Matapopore (the mana whenua voice in the Christchurch recovery) and the Christchurch Earthquake Recovery Authority marked a pivotal step in embedding Ngāi Tūāhuriri and Ngāi Tahu values into the city's reconstruction.
One example is the weaving patterns featured within the Avon River Precinct – an arrangement of natural stone pavers of varying shades and colours. These patterns reference the whakamanuhiri process of welcome for all peoples visiting Christchurch and support the guiding principle of the rebuild for Ngāi Tahu – ‘Kia atawhai ki te iwi’ (care for your people).
From July to September 2023, the second whāriki (woven mat) was created for Pohewa Pāhewa: a Māori design exhibition at Objectspace Gallery in Auckland. This paving pattern represented the karanga wairua, the spiritual call of welcome. Poupou karanga are our respected wāhine who call to welcome manuhiri as they arrive onto the papakāinga. The kaikaranga from the manuhiri then returns their call. This exchange of voices is represented in the top and bottom patterns, with the middle patterns embodying the irirangi – spiritual vibrations – heard from the karanga.
Jagas was proud to contribute to this project by providing products, as well as expertise and guidance during installation. We believe that commercial applications can go hand in hand with cultural respect, creating a more inclusive and reflective urban environment.
