Tau ʻo uta: vaka+ fale+ kava

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Authors
Tagi, John
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Degree
Master of Architecture (Professional)
Grantor
Unitec Institute of Technology
Date
2022-06
Supervisors
McConchie, Graeme
Potauaine, Semisi
Type
Masters Thesis
Ngā Upoko Tukutuku (Māori subject headings)
Keyword
Nukuʻalofa (Tonga)
Tonga
Auckland (N.Z.)
New Zealand
Tongan youth in New Zealand
Tongan diaspora
migrant identity
cultural centres
community centre architecture
Pasifika
Tongan architecture
Citation
Tagi, J. (2022). Tau ʻo uta: vaka+ fale+ kava (Unpublished document submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Architecture (Professional)). Unitec Institute of Technology, New Zealand. https://hdl.handle.net/10652/6079
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION How can contemporary Architecture better prepare youth in communities, in Tonga, Nuku’alofa and New Zealand, Auckland? ABSTRACT This study will focus on the youth in Tonga and New Zealand, together with the support networks around them to foster a brighter future together. Statistics show that a large migration out of Tonga in the 1960’s happened within the Tongan youth, causing a high likelihood of cultural shock as they arrived in New Zealand. Their migration into the country is undermined and results in intergenerational misunderstanding. Bridging this gap between Tonga and New Zealand means to discuss the journey and migration process from Tonga to New Zealand. With COVID-19 traveling restrictions stopping migration into New Zealand, problems still remain on this side of the bridge. This study will further investigate the problems Tongan youth face while living in New Zealand,and for those soon to arrive. There is a need to discuss the Tongan youth migration, as migrating clashes with their integrity and roots. Resolving these issues from the New Zealand side will not only prepare for the arriving youth but establish a pathway for future youth migrating to other countries other than New Zealand. Unpacking the Tongan theories of ta va and tahi va which shows the socio-spatial understanding between ‘Tongan’ and ‘West’, alongside extracting key elements from the vaka, fale and kava will present a guide to designing a cultural development centre to help the youth and their families. The idea of designing a cultural development centre allows for both existing and arriving Tongan youth to be supported in New Zealand. This will be backed up by a model aligning with key elements of the vaka, fale and kava, to help with migration while maintaining strong roots to traditional Tongan culture.
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