He Pānui: Te Ara Hihiko, 2024, installation view at Te Whare Toi o Heretaunga Hastings Art Gallery.
Saturday 15 March 2025, 11am
Free, no booking required
Explore how design connects us to culture, land, and community.
Join us for an inspiring panel discussion on designing for cultural connection in a changing world. This session will feature insights from artists and designers Jacob Scott, Desna Whaanga-Schollum, Eugene Kara and Jason Kendrick, moderated by Nicholas Auld.
During the kōrero, the panel will explore:
This is a unique opportunity to learn from experts in the field and reflect on how design shapes our communities and lives. A Q&A session will follow the discussion, allowing you to engage directly with the speakers.
Nau mai, haere mai! We look forward to seeing you.
Bios:
Desna Whaanga-Schollum
(Rongomaiwahine, Kahungunu, Pāhauwera)
Hon. FRAIC, M.SciComm, B.Design, Toi Iho
Residing within her tūrangawaewae territories of Te Matau-a-Māui, Desna has provided pivotal leadership for Indigenous creativity and sovereignty. Her work embodies the essence of an Indigenous Design Activator, guiding cross-disciplinary initiatives that honour deep relationships between Indigenous peoples and (sentient)-Place.
In 2024, Desna was conferred as an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada for the Indigenous design leadership of Ngā Aho. Under Desna's stewardship as a founding member and past Chair, Ngā Aho has become a beacon of collective Indigenous empowerment. Ngā Aho steadfastly prioritises communal wisdom and Place-based methodologies over individualistic pursuits. This ethos has not only reshaped the contours of the built environment, but also infused the broader realm of creative practices with transformative Indigenous perspectives. It has inspired a global recalibration of design ethos, embedding Indigenous vitality for future generations.
Instagram: whaanga_schollum
Eugene Kara
(Ngāti Korokī Kahukura, Ngāti Tipa, Ngati Koata, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Pāhauwera, Te Ātihaunui a Pāpārangi, Ngā Rauru, Tūwharetoa, Te Arawa)
Co-Founder of Te Ahi Komau Foundry, New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute (NZMACI), Te Puia
Eugene Kara, based in Rotorua, Aotearoa, has been an artist and arts advocate for over 20 years. He has worked as a Head Caster, Lecturer, Head of Department, Programme Developer, and Advisor. His sculptures, featured in galleries and public spaces, include works at Mighty River (Karapiro Domain), the University of Waikato, and an 8-metre bronze and stone piece on the Waikato Expressway.
In 2013, Eugene became Head Caster at NZMACI, Te Puia, where he established Aotearoa’s first Māori foundry, Te Ahi Komau, and led the creation of a full-scale bronze Whatarangi. He has also contributed to arts education, notably securing an MOU between Waiariki Institute and Whitecliffe College, enabling local graduates to pursue an MFA via distance learning. Eugene continues to develop strategies and collaborations to support Aotearoa’s creative sector.
Instagram: eugene.kara
Jacob Scott
(Ngāti Raukawa, Te Arawa, Ngāti Kahungunu, Te Āti Awa)
Jacob Scott, Principal of Scott Design, former Director Te Kura Toi o Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and founder and Head of EIT’s Art & Design School, is one of our country’s pioneers in contemporary Māori Art and Māori Arts Education. Highly regarded as an architectural designer and artist, Jacob led the development, accreditation and establishment of the Maunga Kura Toi Degree – New Zealand’s first degree level programme in whakairo and raranga. As a past member of the whakaruruhau whakairo (national educational development committee for Māori carving) and honorary holder of the Toi Iho Mark - Jacob is frequently called upon to assist with the development, delivery and review of Māori arts programmes throughout the country.
Jason Kendrick
Jason Kendrick began his career as a furniture maker, acquiring knowledge and expertise in England before directing his work towards the superyacht and marine industry. Gaining hands-on experience in commercial interior design, his journey led him to establish a CNC machining business, serving marine, architectural, design, and arts sectors.
With a flair for project management and product development, Jason steers the waka to create innovative solutions using precision technology.
Te Ara Hihiko is the work of Jacob Scott and Jason Kendrick.
Instagram: te_ara_hihiko
Nicholas Auld
Bio to come
The panellists are also holding a hui exclusively for designers and architects. Find out more.
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