The Ngā Aho Kāhui Whetu are a group of legendary Māori design practitioners who have been appointed in recognition of their commitment to advancing kaupapa Māori design.

For this event, we welcome members of the Kāhui to share insights into their careers and the lessons learnt along the way.

This conversation will be chaired by Desna Whaanga-Schollum, curator of Pohewa Pāhewa and member of Ngā Aho.

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Ngā Aho is a network of Māori and Indigenous design professionals who come together to support each other to better service the design aspirations of our Māori and Indigenous communities.

Carin Wilson (Ngāti Awa, Tuhourangi) is a studio, furniture maker, sculptor and design educator. He was a leader in the country’s craft movement in the 1970s, 80s and 90s and was one of the inaugurators of the design showcase Artiture in 1987. 

Jacob Scott (Ngāti Raukawa, Te Arawa, Ngāti Kahungunu) is Principal of Scott Design, former Director Te Kura Toi o Te Wananga o Aotearoa and founder and Head of EITs Art & Design School. He is regarded as one of the pioneers in contemporary Māori Art and Māori Arts Education. 

Dr Diane Menzies (Ngāti Kahungunu) is a landscape architect and educator. She is a former Environment Court commissioner, and served as president of the International Federation of Landscape Architects.

Ross Hemera (Ngāi Tahu) has built up a practice that honours and reflects the cultural and artistic traditions of his iwi. He was Professor of Māori Art and Design, College of Creative Arts, Massey University until 2015, retiring after 20 years.

Alan Titchener (Ngāi Tahu) is Director of Titchener Monzingo Aitken Ltd Landscape Architects. A firm believer in the value of collaborative design, he has a particular interest in planning and design that recognises and incorporates both nature and culture to create place and people responsive solutions.

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Coffee & Croissants is a conversation series supported by our friends at Allpress Espresso and Daily Bread.