Indigenous brands, Maori business, Kaupapa Growth and innovation, collaborative pilot projects, culture connection and exchange, design enabled economic, culturally enriched.
The 20th C saw the emergence and establishment of strong capability, presence and infrastructure for our creative arts with the establishment of entities such as Nga Puna Waihanga, Te Waka Toi and Toi Maori Aoteaora.
There have been no parallels for Māori in commercially oriented design disciplines. In the post-settlement era it is more important than ever that Maori design professionals are equipped to support the design needs of a growing Maori economy. Nga Aho allows for the emergence, establishment and realisation of our potential in our more commercially focused creative disciplines of Design, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Engineering and Information and Communications Technology etc.
The Nga Aho dialogue began with the Hui Kaihoahoa Whare at Hoani Waititi marae in July 2001. Around 50 participants met to discuss recent developments in Maori architecture. The hui acknowledged the need for a professional body representing the aspirations of Maori design professionals. The early 21st century is a time of great challenges and opportunities for Maori design professionals and their communities.