Adaptive Accord: Way of the Niu

Abstract

This thesis pertains to the exploration of resilient systems within a world of complexity and considers how the orchestration of natural ecological cycles might contribute to Niue’s social-ecological integrity in the midst of complex change. The proposed systems are intended to contribute to the resilience of critical resources supplies, primarily food, water and power. This thesis recognises harmony as a key feature of resilient systems. A resilient system is flexible. It shares an accord with its changing environment. This is the intention of the proposed systems- to remain in harmony with its environment as it changes, and establish a resilient supply of resources for the wider social-ecological system. Adhering to the principles of the martial art, Aikido, “the Way of Harmony”, this thesis asserts that non-resistance is a key feature of resilient systems. In Aikido, participants blend with incoming forces and redirect them in a way that protects both themselves and their opponent. In this thesis such principles of motion are introduced to the context of resource resilience in Niue, where forces are redirected into virtuous cycles that benefit the people and the environment simultaneously. Waste of one system become fuel for another in a larger emergent system of mutual wellbeing. The niu, the coconut, innately follows Aikido motions. The niu becomes a structural and functional precedent for the organisation of the proposed systems. The proposed systems utilise the inherent resilience of nature’s complex adaptive systems. This thesis considers the concept of designing with nature and its complex systems of various scales, in a way that harmonises the relationship between humanity and the environment on which we depend. This is not a new way of approaching resilience in a world of complexity. It is the way that has always been- it is the way of our world; it is the way of harmony; the way of the niu.