TE KITENGA MATAI MOANA | Discovering Matai Moana | Tyler Florence & Luke Gray (Group 06)
Our project spans eight sites, each offering unique moments of discovery and learning through topics such as ecological restoration, culture, heritage, and community involvement.
The coastal redesign includes converting the road to one-way traffic, integrating slow speed zones, and creating dedicated cycling/walking lanes. The location and design of the parking areas aim to support activities like fishing and kayaking while preventing predator re-invasion. Community groups will be able to enhance habitats, restore giant kelp, provide educational signage along pathways, eradicate feral cats, or create monitored nesting habitats for coastal birds. A temporary rāhui will ban crayfish and snapper fishing to aid kelp restoration and restore balance to the ecosystem.
The proposed Te Taiao soil health restoration involves reducing sediment runoff and removing cattle from steep slopes. Exotic conifer species are proposed to be selectively removed, with trunks repurposed for sculptural art and habitat infrastructure, such as nest boxes for native birds. Community-led planting is proposed on strategic spots that aim to facilitate natural ecological processes.
Design elements highlight Māori heritage and military sites with interpretive signage, artworks, and features narrating cultural and historical stories. The revitalization of Pā and Kāinga sites include Tangata whenua-led seating interventions to share oral histories, as well as new regenerative food-forests to educate on traditional Rongoā and Kai resources.
Views of cultural, historical, and military landmarks are captured through the ridgeline. A network of pathways with varying difficulty levels enhance accessibility to heritage sites and facilitate discovery and learning experiences.
Our project encourages community participation in constructing and maintaining the reserve, fostering ownership and stewardship. Each designed site aims to offer learning experiences through discovery, interactivity, or visual installations.
