Hui for Architects & Designers: Exploring Threads in Design and Cultural Connection

Thursday 27 March 2025, 5.30pm
Free, booking essential

A gathering for architects and designers to delve deeper into the kōrero.

Following the 'Designing for Cultural Connection' panel discussion, we invite architects and designers to come together for a focused hui. This gathering will offer a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and engage with peers in the industry while reflecting on the key threads and insights from the initial kōrero.

The hui will be hosted by Jacob Scott, Desna Whaanga-Schollum, Eugene Kara, Jason Kendrick, and Nicholas Dunning who will guide the conversation and facilitate discussions among attendees.

Join us to share perspectives, discuss emerging themes, and explore collaborative possibilities that advance cultural connection through design.

This event is exclusively for professionals in the architecture and design industries.

Spaces are limited, refreshments will be provided.

To book, contact the Gallery via email - hastingsartgallery@hdc.govt.nz or phone - 06 871 5095.

Bios:

Desna Whaanga-Schollum (Rongomaiwahine, Kahungunu, Pāhauwera) 
Hon. FRAIC, M.SciComm, B.Design, Toi Iho
Instagram: whaanga_schollum

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.

Eugene Kara (Ngāti Korokī Kahukura, Ngāti Tipa, Ngāti 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
Instagram: eugene.kara

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.

Jacob Scott (Ngāti Raukawa, Te Arawa, Ngāti Kahungunu, Te Āti Awa)
Instagram: te_ara_hihiko

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
Instagram: te_ara_hihiko

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.

Nicholas Dunning
Instagram: oto_group_architecture

Director of OTO Group Architecture, Nicholas Dunning, studied and worked in Denmark and Sweden early in his career and has set up a practice that melds the lessons of craft and construction garnered from his studies. He resonated with the rugged wilderness of Scandinavia and the elegant contrast of simple built environments composed mainly of natural materials. He continues to embody this design language in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Nicholas has won the design award for furniture in the Danish FSC competition, a scholarship with prominent Danish architectural firm Schmidt Hammer Lassen, and has worked with Swedish Architects, Arkitema, on a variety of projects encompassing housing, libraries, schools and municipal buildings. Through OTO Group, Nicholas continues to explore craft in his architecture.