Maori designers join forces

Desna Whaanga-Schollum.

Maori design professionals at next week's Nga Aho hui will be working on projects to benefit the region.

The hui, running from October 4-6, opens with a powhiri at noon next Friday at Te Ara O Tawhaki marae at EIT.

Nga Aho is an incorporated network of Maori design professionals, including architects, designers, engineers, landscape architects, planners, project managers and artists which meets once a year.

One of the guiding principles of the network is that its members pool their intellectual and creative resources and work on ideas to benefit the area where the hui is held.

Hawke's Bay members include Desna Whaanga-Schollum and Jacob Scott.

Mahia and Wairoa-raised Whaanga-Schollum, currently designer taonga Maori at MTG, is a designer, artist, photographer and researcher and is a founding member and co-chair of Nga Aho.

Architectural designer and artist Scott, who led the formation of the country's first degree level programme in whakairo (Maori carving) and raranga (Maori weaving) is a former director of Te Kura Toi o Te Wananga o Aotearoa and former founder and head of EIT's visual art and design school.

The three-day event includes a visit to the Hastings City Art Gallery and a site visit and workshops in Ahuriri.

Weather permitting, hui attendees will also have a chance to sail on the waka Te Matau-a-Maui on the Sunday afternoon before they return home.

Members, students and non-members can book tickets through www.eventfinder.co.nz. For more info, visit www.ngaaho.maori.nz