Reconnecting to my ancestral akapapa

Abstract

RESEARCH QUESTION: How can Cook Island design principles be embedded into the development of a papakāinga model that embraces Cook Island culture?

ABSTRACT: Indigenous cultures around the world are facing a similar issue of identity confrontation. Consequently, creating a disconnect between the preservation of indigenous culture and its people. Intergenerational trauma confronts vulnerable minorities to adversity and misrepresentation. Forced to recognise insufficient knowledge of heritage, disconnected identity, and limited te reo. Individuals who seek to educate themselves in the absent cultural knowledge, strive to reconnect and regain a sense of belonging.

The effects of the Second World War and promising opportunities brought waves of Pacific Island people to drift to Aotearoa. In the 1950’s, Aotearoa had advertised to the Pacific Islands their intriguing experience for a modern lifestyle, employment and wide-ranged opportunities. A captivating offer for Cook Island families to cross the Pacific Ocean and embark on a foreign journey to the “land of the long white cloud”.

A rise in immigrant numbers and increase of overstaying visas in the 1970’s, had put pressure on targeted Pacific Island people. Today, the third-largest minority group in Aotearoa, are Pacific Island people.

This research project explores indigenous methodologies, applied in an architectural papakāinga approach. The design model is informed by values and design principles conceived from engaging with key stakeholders.

Indigenous Architecture is a movement that progresses (or translates) towards educating others about preserving the essence of culture throughout the built environment. The indigenous culture demonstrates the importance of buildings that reflect the essence of its people, land and culture in a dominantly colonial context. In Māori and Pacific Island customs people need to feel the authentic sense of belonging without extensively justifying their connection to it.

Site: Arorangi (Rarotonga, Cook Islands)