An important quality of The Living Pā, currently nearing completion at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, is described by the Hon Justice Sir Joe Williams as ‘the house becomes the teacher.’ Every aspect in the construction of this building has been approached with care, necessitating greater responsibility than prevailing building standards require. The Living Pā is therefore an embodiment of new construction demanding a reset in relatedness, applying to all stages of the project including the fit-out of interior spaces. David Hakaraia, designer and lecturer, has been tasked with designing many elements that are embedded in the structure and Kaupapa of the building. In this talk Hakaraia shares insights into his method.


David Hakaraia (Ngapuhi, Ngati Paoa) is the Deputy Head of Design school at the Wellington Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation Te Wāhanga Waihanga-Hoahoa, Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington. Hakaraia’s design work incorporates both handcrafted and modern digital fabrication techniques to express culturally appropriate design solutions that acknowledge mātauranga Māori. Alongside his work for The Living Pā, Hakaraia is currently working on a design for New Zealand House, London, UK. With an extensive record of exhibiting both nationally and internationally, Hakaraia’s recent projects include, a Waka Hourua for the National Library of New Zealand (2023), and Te Arawhata Pare for the New Zealand Liberation Museum in Le Quesnoy, France (2023).