The Office of the DVC Māori welcomed some of the members of the Waolani Project, Arizona State University (ASU) to discuss educational models that combine indigenous knowledge with emerging science and technology.

The Waolani Core Design Team have embarked on a multifaceted design process to catalyze thinking and advance a new teaching model that draws on multiple knowledge systems and an integrative approach to ecological and human health.  The team are on a global co-discovery journey meeting with communities in Nicaragua, Rwanda, Indonesia, Alaska and New Zealand to learn about perspectives on conservation and prototypes.

Professor Rawinia Higgins, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Māori, was pleased to show the Waolani Core Design Team the emerging Living Pā and to discuss mātauranga Māori perspectives particularly tāngata (people) and te taiao (natural world) relationships, and the philosophies and vision that drive Te Herenga Waka Marae, and Te Kawa a Māui (the School of Māori studies), and how they connect to the Living Pā.

The meeting was organised through Living Pā ambassador, Hon. Justice Sir Joe Williams, and was an opportunity to increase connections with the international community focused on nurturing educational experiences and spaces for indigenous peoples.