Abstract:
Is architecture able to facilitate the coexistence between cultural and ecological conservation on conservation island estates in the Hauraki Gulf? New Zealand is known for its strong nature conservation ethic, and this is evident in the desire to both protect and restore nature. New Zealand’s scenery and native wildlife are admired not only nationally but also around the world. Yet despite New Zealand’s prominent natural heritage, there is a prevalent attitude that because New Zealand is considered a young nation it does not have a significant cultural heritage. Although in recent decades, there has been a greater acknowledgement and engagement with New Zealand’s cultural history, it remains overlooked in the presence of ecological conservation. The New Zealand conservation ethic is ingrained in the way we promote and discuss our country. However by merely prioritising the observation of the landscape, the more profound cultural and ecological significance embedded into the landscape remains unrecognised, and as a result many of the cultural and historical narratives can be overlooked. The thesis research of Mōhio ki te Whenua, will explore the tension between ecological and cultural heritage within the conservation estate of Rangitoto Island. The thesis study aims to recognise the inherent connection that Māori have with the land through an architecture that celebrates Kaitiakitanga – the guardianship, protection, and conservation of the land. This core Māori value reflects a belief of the intrinsic connection shared between humanity and the natural world. Furthermore, the research will navigate the different types of heritage present on Rangitoto Island and advocate for the importance of sharing the intrinsic narratives embedded into the historic fabric of the landscape to conserve their significance for future generations. By exploring this cultural value, we can begin to hypothesise the coexistence between cultural and ecological conservation. This thesis proposes a series of architectural designs to be constructed along the existing walking trails of Rangitoto Island. The architectural interventions will aim to incorporate Kaitiakitanga values and infuse the geological, ecological, and human history of the land and create spaces to allow local and international visitors to interact, connect and understand the environment in a way that acknowledges the importance of both ecological and cultural conservation.