In a significant initiative to enhance community resilience, the University of Canterbury has appointed Tiana Malina Te Rongopatahi Mo’iha as the 2025 Artist in Residence at the Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies in Ōtautahi Christchurch. Known for her diverse roles as an educator, musician, artist, activist, and cultural innovator, Te Rongopatahi Mo’iha aims to foster knowledge-sharing and resilience through her artistic practice.
Her residency, scheduled from August to October 2025, will involve collaborative workshops and performances with students, staff, and the local community. This engagement is designed to explore the interconnectedness of art and culture, particularly in the context of climate change challenges faced by Pacific communities.
Artistic Endeavors and Community Engagement
During her residency, Te Rongopatahi Mo’iha will present her project titled Kukulu Hale; Kukulu Kaiaulu. This work focuses on the traditional Hawaiian practice of kūkulu hale, or house building, which symbolizes the nurturing of community. The project will culminate in an exhibition from October 13 to 16, coinciding with the Adaptation Futures 2025 conference, the largest climate adaptation conference globally, co-hosted by the university.
Participants will engage in the physical act of constructing a hale, gathering materials respectfully from the local environment while reinforcing community ties. Te Rongopatahi Mo’iha emphasizes that her approach is guided by the Hawaiian proverb, “Ma ka hana ka ‘ike – in working one learns.” This philosophy underlines her commitment to experiential learning and cultural education.
“I am excited by the residency and the opportunity to engage with both the University and the Ōtautahi community,” Te Rongopatahi Mo’iha stated during her welcome.
Support and Significance
The residency is supported by Creative New Zealand and reflects the university’s dedication to celebrating Indigenous knowledge and creativity. According to Distinguished Professor Steven Ratuva, Pro Vice-Chancellor Pacific at UC, Te Rongopatahi Mo’iha’s appointment represents a crucial enhancement to the university’s cultural landscape. He highlighted her high-caliber artistic skills spanning various disciplines, including traditional architecture and music.
The upcoming exhibition and workshops will take place at the Fibre Gallery, Level 1, 285 Cashel Street. The exhibition opening is set for October 13 at 17:30, with free workshops running from October 14 to 16, between 11:00 and 16:00. Participants of all ages and experience levels are welcome, and materials will be provided for those involved.
Te Rongopatahi Mo’iha’s residency promises to bridge cultural gaps and enhance dialogue among communities in the Pacific region, reinforcing the importance of Indigenous practices and knowledge in the face of contemporary challenges.
