Moorehu architecture

Abstract

This dissertation on Moorehu architecture is presented as a whakapapa, and not as an architectural history. The Moorehu architectural whakapapa traces a line of buildings associated with pan-tribal Maaori leaders and counter-colonial movements. Their architectural inheritances and appropriations are the main topic of discussion. The progenitors were earlier Maaori concepts, Moorehu movements, Paakehaa colonialism, and Christian ideas. From these sources, Moorebu leaders appropriated the elements which they thought were necessary to support their counter-colonial missions. They borrowed ideas from the meeting house and paataka, and concepts from Maaori and decoration and symbolism. Colonial planning methods, design theory, construction techniques, technology, and commercial facilities were other influences. Many Moorehu buildings had a religious and I or political purpose which was expressed by taking ideas from Christian churches and Paak:ehaa assembly halls. These buildings illustrated the religio-political sanction of their leaders. There is a genealogy of Moorehu architecture, which is more clearly expressed as a whakapapa, than an architectural history. It is a whakapapa created by a lineage of Moorehu leaders who have combined appropriated Maaori, Moorehu, Paakehaa, and Christian architectural concepts.