During Matariki 2022, the Ngā Aho Kāhui Whetu gathered at Pukeruru, Te Tai Tokerau. A wānanga held over this time was captured in a series of short films, sharing their pūrakau and celebrating the tight bond of the collective. 

This event marks the launch of the short film series and the valuable contribution the kāhui have made.

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.

Featured in the films are Carin Wilson (Ngāti Awa, Tuhourangi), Jacob Scott (Ngāti Raukawa, Te Arawa, Ngāti Kahungunu), Ross Hemera (Ngāi Tahu), Dr Diane Menzies (Ngāti Kahungunu) and Alan Titchener (Ngāi Tahu).

The films were produced by Storybox and will be available to view on the Ngā Aho website following the launch. 

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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.