MoiYesterday I joined Rangimārie and a camera crew for an interview with Moi. We travelled to her home early in the day for a project we call Māreikura, for this project ĀKAU is doing workshops with the young mothers of Kaikohe and encouraging Mana Wahine. A few of the mothers in a workshop were each able to design a pattern that represents them and their journey of being a mother. We’d left Kaikohe in search of Moi’s home, Rangimārei was there to interview Moi and I guess you could call me a tag along.
When we arrived at Moi’s house it was smack bam in the middle nowhere amongst the bush. Her house was cool, so much was going on there. There were treehouses sticking out of the bush, a big playhouse sitting up on a hill out front. There was a comfy little office/nook building situated away from the house amongst the ferns and trees, a few sheds here and there. She even had a pool in her backyard. The day was so pretty when we arrived, Moi was standing at her front door welcoming us into her home. Moi’s house felt like a home, her walls were filled with photos of her family. She had collected so many taonga the were ether decorating the shelves or on display. We were lead to the kitchen and in the corner, was a spiral staircase the lead into another room. Her grandsons were home from school going up and down the staircase, I really wanted to climb those stairs with them and have a look, but I didn't want to push it. The crew and I spent a few minutes drinking tea and talking before it was remembered to get the camera and start recording. The interview I felt went well, Moi said some really beautiful things, but the one that stuck out most to me was hearing her say “treat your kids like your ancestors come 5 generation down the track he or she will someone else's ancestor.” I think this stuck out to me because it’s not a term that's commonly used and once you start wrapping your head around the concept it kinda of blows your mind a little. I was also able to learn that she does not believe in teen parents you are a parent regardless of age. During the interview Moi kept feeding me and would ask about myself, I was happy to learn that she knew my grandfather Graham who died when I very young and told me a little more about him. At no point in the interview did I feel unwelcomed or intruding into her home, while we were sitting at her table the atmosphere felt warm and comfortable while maintaining a continuous flow of discussion. I ended up leaving her house feeling a little jealous, I want her for my nani, the way she spoke the reo with her moko’s was beautiful. Coming away from this experience I thought about a concept and how much it related to Te Pu O Te Wheke and how so many different personalities were able to be brought together around a kitchen table and connect with one another. MAKE 03 WORKSHOPMAKE 03 is ĀKAU's 3rd 5-day program done in the holidays. The aim of this workshop was in one week the rangatahi was to design a window front or display that makes for an interactive museum and changes 3 empty shopfronts for Kaikohe. This will give Kaikohe and others the chance to learn more about this community in a fun educational way. ĀKAU and the group spent the first day at a local Marae, Kohewhata. We were there listening to the kaumatua and kuia share stories of our Ancestors. The Kohe Whata Marae was beautiful, it was surrounded by native plants and fill with carvings, we also happen to be lucky enough for the marae to feed us some delicious Kai.
We returned to Kaikohe to split the ropū into 3 groups and set them up with their mentors. Group 1 was working on a carving display in the shape of bird wings, group 2 had a portrait painting of Te Ao Marama. Group 3 worked on a bird sculpture carrying messages on its wings to its neighbors. (1-carving, 2-painting 3-technology) Through the duration of the workshop, I spent a majority of the time with one of the students Hannah. Hannah had been drawing pitchers of birds she calls them the māori Kung fo birds of Kaikohe. We thought we could turn these birds into a GIF or animation. The Maori Kung fo birds can now be seen with the other installations The whole week you would see kids coming in and out of the studio all over the place trying to get their projects done in time for the presentation at the end of the week. While all this is going we had a camera crew come in to film everything. This project is called Kaikohekohe Whare Taonga, we renamed Kaikohe to its original name to bring back the meaning behind the name. The whole week has been super fun and creative and the local kids can now have a feeling of pride and ownership over the work done. You can now experience for yourselves, Broadway, Kaikohekohe! The Thoon projectI was able to be apart of the redesigning of a 2 window displays for a whānau space and a office (THOON). One of the problems for the preivous window display was the community did not understand the services they can access or how to access them. THOON wanted a design to help update the shopfront to showcase the services provided and create a welcoming entrance.
We were asked to come up with a concept that is relevant to youth but also ties in with the offices shop front. The concepts began with a workshop involving members of the community and their input towards the workshop. They were asked a series of question and were to draw their answers as graphics. Those questions were to relate to the keywords given by Te hau ora ō Ngā Puhi, some of questions came out like, what does a healthy person look like to you or In your dream world, what would be the ultimate health for YOU. Throughout the workshops, lots of graphics came to be about what’s important to oneself gaining a lot of whanau, whenua, even pepeha related images. Taking those graphics the Te pu o te wheke concept with the maunga representing this idea was then used to tie and connect the images together. My trip to parliamentDon't you just hate waking up early because I sure do. But, not this morning I don't, nope, I'm pumped and ready to go. This morning I'm am off to catch a plane from Kerikeri to Wellington and have an adventure, so excited. I happen to be fortunate enough to travel with Ruby to Wellington to speak and have breakfast inside the parliament building, for adults learners week.
I just love flying, any opportunity to fly and I'm there. Ruby and I had arrived in Auckland to catch our next plane to Wellington when realized that our plane was at another gate. Ruby and I had to rush to make it in time, while she was politely pushing through the line to get to our plane in time, I was quietly cheering her on “yeah, go Ruby!” There was no waiting for us we’re gonna make it. Whew, we made it on time no worries, Wellington here we come. The plane ride was pleasant when we arrived in the early afternoon. We quickly grab the bags before making a quick stop to the hotel and continuing on into the city. Our taxi had dropped us at Cuba street to stroll around and take in all it has to offer. Ruby and I decided to split and we would meet for dinner. While roaming through the stores I had fun shopping and finding little treasures. Cuba street is an awesome street it has everything Food, clothes, shoes I'm set, this place is my element. Time and money seem to fly by and before I knew it 6 came around so I was rushing to meet up with Ruby at the restaurant. Dinner was delicious, it had a southern American theme to it. I had ordered a fried chicken where they gave me TWO sauces not one but two that tasted like a party. The snickers milk shake I shared with Ruby was hands down the star of the meal, it was a pudding and drink all in one. After our dinner, we took a walk back to our hotel to check in and sleep. I was delighted to discover my room had a massive bed that was soft when I jumped on it. I also had a big bathroom as well, yup, shower had a chair and everything. That night I ended staying up late going through my speech, nervous about the following morning. Morning has arrived and I'm up early, again! Going through my speech once more before getting ready for the day. Ruby later stops by my room "hey there neighbor" I'm rushing for some last minute packing before we both head to the Beehive, I think I was little quite from the nerves kicking in during the walk there. When we made it outside I took a few photo to show my excitement before heading inside where they gave me a sticker to say this is where I'm meant to be. I felt very welcomed and the women there were very nice and said hello but still, there was a march going on in my stomach. Over breakfast I can;t say I remember much about the food but instead I was waiting for the moment I would get up to speak. Finally, the’re opening up and introducing the speakers. While I'm going through the speech in my mind I hear my name called, it's time. I make my way to the stand and all I feel is my heart pounding. Standing there I look at the faces in the crowd and breath I got this “Kia ora Kou tau...”
Finally its over and I can make my way back to my seat. Did I really just do that? I just spoke inside Parliament, wow it really did happen, high five Rakky good jobs. When all the speeches had concluded we were left to mingle amongst ourselves. Everybody was being so friendly I was getting a big head from all the attention, can't have that now can we when I return to Northland ill be sure to be knocked down a peg or two. But that's alright I'm just going to enjoy the moment. One of the MP’s was awesome enough to take me and a few others inside the debate room you see on t.v. Whoop whoop, I was able to go along and sit in the green chairs which were surprisingly enough quite comfortable. The event soon came to a close but my excitement didn't which I took all the way back home with me. Ruby and I didn't have to return to the north till the evening so we still had some time to explore Wellington. I was able to do a little more shopping and ride the cable cars to see the botanical gardens, the view of Wellington up there is amazing. The afternoon lunch was at a cafe called the Thunderbird, great set up I had ordered a thunder burger the thing was a beast! and I count finish it. The remaining time we had left was spent at Te Papa museum and a chilled walk by the water front before heading to the airport. Returning homing I had my siblings all waiting to congratulate and take me home take, I had brought them back some Dunkin donuts so they were extra excited to see me I bet. Over all the experience was one of the best in my life and I can't begin to explain how lucky I feel to have been able to go. The whole time in Wellington I felt as though I couldn't get enough of it and was on such a high. The city has a great feeling attached to it now when I think about it, I can't wait to return. Semi PermanentThanks to Ault group ĀKAU a few youth had the amazing opportunity to travel down from Kaikohe to stay a couple days to attend semi permanent in Auckland. This event brings together designers, artists, and creative icons to share their insights and experiences with the community. We design lovers are able to catch a glimpse into the future of design. Traveling down the night before the event we stayed at a lodge. It was so close to the center you can literally see it just across the car park, from my bedroom window. We had a delicious dinner at a little Indian restaurant just below our building. Early the next morning our group was fresh, ready to start the day and get inspired. Walking into the Aotea center as a group I was a little surprised at how crowded it was inside the building. One of our leaders went up to the line to register everybody. While waiting, we saw another leader who had not traveled or stayed with the group arrive and the boys were excited to see him. Finally, once getting our little entry bracelets we head to the main hall and take a seat. The M.C had crazy wild hair with an insanely cool story to match. He gave Kaikohe a huge shout out and applause, that was really cool of him. We later found out that Ault Group had asked him, Yeh! Shot Ault Group. As the event continued on one of the speakers really stood out to our group especially for the girls. She was the Body Architect, Lucy McCrae. Lucy is a science fiction artist, she is an inventor of the Swallowable Perfume and a range of emotion sensing dresses. Lucy showed a lot of imagery and video’s for her work that both amazed and disturbed me at the same time, she took body art to a whole new level. During the morning break I happen to find Lucy talking amongst the crowd and took the opportunity to say hi. She was pretty enthusiastic about her new jumpsuit that she had recently purchased coming into New Zealand. I ended up taking a selfie with her which sparked the competition between the youth to speak and take photo’s with as many speakers as we could. This competition resulted in two of us having two VIP ticket to get into the private lounge area and access to the the food, Yass!. One of the last speakers of the night was Michael Parekowhai, who most of us were excited to hear speak. Majority of his talk he stood up on stage with a guitar in his arms and here’s me expected him any minute now to play a beautiful song, instead nearing the end of his talk he actually admitted he didn't know how to play guitar, I laughed at that little. During the speech Michael shows the audeience some imagery of his previous work which is AMAZING! A beautifully Maori carved piano that represents the New Zealand rivers and has the star constellation that stood tall and proud up on the screen. One of his other works was a lighthouse, the two story house was full of lights and had a big stainless steel sculpture of James Cook sitting, but not touching the ground. We actually went to visit this art piece after having some dinner. I admit being there a night while it was dark, it was really beautiful. The colorful lights would reflect and shimmer off the stainless steel sculpture of captain cook, it almost felt magical. What a fine way to end the night. Next day one of our boys gave the MC a Kaikohe yeah! cap. and we got to see him up on stage wearing it. So now the whole audience got to see it which is awesome. One of the speakers I personally really liked was a font designer. He showed some really wacky looking images, then explained that they were fonts and I was slowly able to read the letters which got me all excited. What was even cooler because we happen to be sitting way up front he gave one of our boys a book, who later hunted him down to sign it. A lot of the speakers shows the future of design with in relation to communication, transportation, technology, business and more. The whole event was very futuristic and spoke about how design can make the world a better place. In conclusion, the whole event has my mind blown away and over flowing with thoughts about what design will bring to us in the future. festival for the future#FFTF
Wow, I'm surrounded, so many people. I feel a little over whelmed from all the buzzing activity. This is all happening while waiting to register as a lucky scholarship recipient for the #FFTF (Festival for the future) #FFTF Is an event to inspire our young future leaders, let's just take a moment to feel inspired... Nope, Not yet? Don't worry about it because we’re going to meet some amazing individuals amongst this crowd. At #FFTF I was lucky enough to listen and feel inspired by the speakers and the work shops offered to me at the event.
Being a scholarship recipient I was able to get free accommodation at a hostel with other scholarship attendees, I had been bunked with two cool girls from Christchurch and Dunedin who were great roomies. During the first day, all the scholarships meet in the t.v room. We connected with one another and make new friendships. I really enjoyed this part of the opening, I ended up making some really good friends who I had a really fun time with over the weekend. The hostel had this dodgy elevator that was fun to ride, I took it every time even though I was only on the second floor. It would make a loud bang while doing a little bounce every time it stopped at a floor. After meeting everyone we all left to see the Aotea center where the event is being held, It was packed with people and lots of interesting stalls. I found a stall that was about being on the marae and virtual reality and quickly had a turn before going to the hall for a welcoming and opening of the weekend. There were so many remarkable speakers but my all time favorite would be Daniel Flynn. Flynn is a co-founder and managing director of Australian social enterprise called Thankyou. He opens up his speech by telling his audience to turn the person next to you and to scream in their face “Get out and stay out!” Of course, I did it. It was strange and I wanted to give it a go. I think this made it more unforgettable for me as well as the cause behind Thankyou. Flynn’s goal is to eradicate poverty and speaks of what inspired his Thankyou water idea and his journey to get it up and going. Thankyou sells bottled water where 100% of it profits go towards water projects. He also reminds us “impossibility is just someone's opinion” and “Who says we have to do things the way they have been done before” Towards the end of his talk he explains the meaning behind us yelling in the persons face next to us was to “get out of our comfort zones and to stay out” as well as mechioning his book Chapter One. There is no retail price but instead, you pay what you think the book is worth. He was extraordinary in my eyes when the speakers closed up I quickly went outside looking for the Thankyou stall to purchase his Chapter One book. A few other memorable speakers were Yoseph Ayele he is the CEO of the Edmund Hillary Fellowship, implementing New Zealand’s new Global Impact Visa and speak about the future of our environment. Julia Whaipooti is Chair of JustSpeak – rethinking New Zealand's criminal justice system. I really enjoyed listening to Julia and hear her speak about our Māori community. I also happen to find her in the crowd and have a really good conversation as well get a selfie of us. During #FFTF they had panels and workshops running simultaneously I was having trouble deciding what work shop to go to when I asked a friend which one he most recommended. He spoke very highly of a work shop call Red pill or Blue pill, I ended up going to the work shop and thanking him later it was that good. We were asked to look into a stranger’s eyes for 2 minutes without saying anything, I felt uncomfortable doing this but if my partner was down for it then so was I. I want to look at people and ask them instead of what is it that you do but who are you, in a less weird and upfront kind of way. The whole workshop was very deep and emotional. I had a love, guilt feeling towards it. Love for all the new insight and guilt for the learning of poverty and injustice. I can’t explain the workshop to the level of impact that it gave me at the time but this is the one I am constantly thinking of. Summary- I've met so many great people and had so many wonderful experiences with this event that I plan on returning to #FFTF next year. I have found the whole of the festival to be a great learning experience and think everybody should go. You will have your minds blown and over flowing with inspiration to better our future for everybody. CRAZY WALL |