Kāhui Whetū
Phd. Environmental Management, MA Business, Mediation; Postgraduate studies: Landscape Architecture, Undergraduate studies: Horticulture.
Phd. Environmental Management, MA Business, Mediation; Postgraduate studies: Landscape Architecture, Undergraduate studies: Horticulture.
Diane Helen Menzies, ONZM
- e
- c Landcult Ltd
- region Te Tai Rāwhiti
Discipline and Expertise:
Te aho tīpuna, te aho whenua, te aho titiwai.
A radiant tipuna light shining across us all, illuminating wisdoms of the whenua.
As a member of Kāhui Whetū, I see Ngā Aho reaching up to the stars, to cosmic energy, to Papa and Rangi. I see atua and wairua as aspects we need in design for whenua. Connections with spiritual guardians, māreikura, with the realms above and below. These are a part of our lives which need a place. I acknowledge our taonga tuku iho, as I would not be doing what I am doing without the influence of DNA, my tīpuna and their knowledge as both tauiwi and iwi/whānau.
My reason for being a part of the Ngā Aho movement is to provide authenticity for designers of the whenua, to support, strengthen and make connections. To broaden my knowledge, to ground me, and share. Also, regarding being heritage managers and the kaupapa of cultural landscape protection.
It is important that our connections to knowledge include guidance from communities. To make links to whanau, hapū, iwi and beyond Aotearoa. The stronger links we make, the better perspectives are gained on diverse values, ways of designing and understanding. There are many ways and weaving (not assimilating) that provide strength and diversity. Through whakapapa and old knowledge, which can help protect biodiversity and whenua, Papatūānuku. I conduct research on housing and equity issues, supervise Māori and Pasifika masters students and examine post-graduate students regarding whenua. I write academic material and articles. Facilitate and share knowledge, including talks on Matariki and climate change. I try to increase the Indigenous voice and presence, as it cannot be overlooked.
As a grandparent with two sons and four mokopuna, my vision for iwi and hapū of Aotearoa is that we are all ‘home’. Whānau, rooted in resilience, health, love and the brilliance of belonging. I understand that the land (and people) need warmth to flourish, and this is true metaphorically as well.
My personal vision for Ngā Aho is to broaden the knowledge, the network, and the effectiveness, and to bring the essence of wairua to our everyday work. To elevate professional practice to the spiritual realm, which is often missing in tauiwi design for the whenua.
My most rewarding design project would be the protection of whenua in a whāriki (belt) around Te Whanganui-a-Tara for people, biodiversity and Papatūānuku.
My reason for being a part of the Ngā Aho movement is to provide authenticity for designers of the whenua, to support, strengthen and make connections. To broaden my knowledge, to ground me, and share. Also, regarding being heritage managers and the kaupapa of cultural landscape protection.
It is important that our connections to knowledge include guidance from communities. To make links to whanau, hapū, iwi and beyond Aotearoa. The stronger links we make, the better perspectives are gained on diverse values, ways of designing and understanding. There are many ways and weaving (not assimilating) that provide strength and diversity. Through whakapapa and old knowledge, which can help protect biodiversity and whenua, Papatūānuku. I conduct research on housing and equity issues, supervise Māori and Pasifika masters students and examine post-graduate students regarding whenua. I write academic material and articles. Facilitate and share knowledge, including talks on Matariki and climate change. I try to increase the Indigenous voice and presence, as it cannot be overlooked.
As a grandparent with two sons and four mokopuna, my vision for iwi and hapū of Aotearoa is that we are all ‘home’. Whānau, rooted in resilience, health, love and the brilliance of belonging. I understand that the land (and people) need warmth to flourish, and this is true metaphorically as well.
My personal vision for Ngā Aho is to broaden the knowledge, the network, and the effectiveness, and to bring the essence of wairua to our everyday work. To elevate professional practice to the spiritual realm, which is often missing in tauiwi design for the whenua.
My most rewarding design project would be the protection of whenua in a whāriki (belt) around Te Whanganui-a-Tara for people, biodiversity and Papatūānuku.