He Ipukarea Ki Waikato - A Vision for the People - Chrissy Morehu

“The Waikato River is a living ancestor, it is part of us. Our river symbolises a tuupuna, it is the name from which our tribe derives its identity and the issues that affect our river ultimately affects the tribe and its people” -Waikato-Tainui Iwi

Overall Design Vision: To reinvigorate the vision of Te Puea by providing a sustainable design that encourages constant engagement between Papatuuaanuku, the Waikato awa and Tuurangawaewae village. The contemporary papakainga housing are powered by solar energy with green roofs. The design has a strong focus on Hauanga kai practices and traditions that must be sustained for future generations. Education for the people is essential to ensure practices and traditions are not lost and the relationship between Papatuuaanuku is strengthened.