Abstract:
Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere is New Zealand’s most
nutrient-polluted lake. It is also a crucial wetland
habitat of its type in New Zealand, providing essential
residences for a broad range of wildlife species. To
Ngāi Tahu (the local iwi), it represents a significant
mahinga kai and a necessary source of mana. To all
New Zealanders, it once was an important location for
both commercial and recreational activities. A yearning
to learn more about Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere and
contribute to its betterment is the motivation for this
thesis.
A cause of The Lake’s pollution is the restricted drainage
and lack of a natural outlet, despite the fact The
Lake is in close proximity to the sea. More recently, it
has been ravaged by the nearby dairy farming industry,
with harmful phosphates and nitrates leaking into the
river beds that feed the lake. Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere
has been temporarily opened to the ocean for
generations to counteract these problems.
Proposals to fix Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere have
failed because they do not meet local stakeholders’
needs. The proposed construction of a permanent
outlet designed to clean the Lake was vetoed because
of the potential loss of mana for the local rūnanga, Te
Taumutu. They have traditionally relied on the seasonal
lake opening as a source for kaimoana. Nutrient restrictions
for farmers introduced by local councils will
partially reduce nutrients in the long term but come at
a substantial economic cost to local farmers and the
surrounding community. Thus an alternative scheme
needs to be proposed. This thesis proposes a functional architectural solution
that rejuvenates the lake while balancing the needs of
these stakeholders. The solution consists of three interventions:
a modular lake farming system designed to
remove nutrients from The Lake and provide a viable
economic alternative for farmers. The second, a working
village intended to complement the lake farming
operation. The third, a hybrid landscape of mechanical
and environmental infrastructure (constructed from
non-invasive materials) designed to control the height
and salinity of The Lake while also maintaining mana
for the iwi by allowing them to harvest kaimoana in the
same way they have for generations. All three interventions
are to be interwoven to encourage agri-tourism in
the local region.
At its core, this thesis documents the processes, research,
and designs undertaken to find an architectural
solution to rejuvenate The Lake. It also addresses water
pollution issues through cost-effective, innovative, and
responsible business practices and supporting architectural
infrastructure.
This thesis proposes a new floating farming industry
in New Zealand, reimagines the systems and processes,
and develops the necessary infrastructure through
architectural processes.