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Cecelia Kumeroa

IHI Design Studio Lead

Dr Billy van Uitregt

Mana Whenua Scientist

Zion Tawaroa

IHI Design Studio IT Technician

Pounga Wai – A Digital River

Our project, Pounga Wai, uses matauranga (indigenous knowledge) to develop a convergence of world views where art and science are one. IHI is a studio of interdisciplinary art and design, established in Whanganui. We explore artistic ideas and concepts through the use of digital technologies to output multi-media artworks. Our collaborative practice is a confluence of design, art, technology, science and the natural world with the uniqueness of also working with a mana whenua (Whanganui) world view.

Toi Awa Rangahau – Project Team

Pounga Wai is an IHI Design Studio project led by Cecelia Kumeroa (Hihiria) – IHI Creative Director (Te Ātihaunui -a- Pāpārangi) in collaboration with mana whenua scientist, Dr Billy van Uitregt (Ngā Rauru, Te Ātihaunui -a- Pāpārangi, Ngai Tuhoe, Dutch).

Zion Tawaroa (Te Ātihaunui -a- Pāpārangi, Ngāti Pikiao, Ngā Puhi) is an Information Technology student who is completing a Bachelor of Information Technology & also assisting the project as an IT Technician.

Thanks to the following organisations for supporting the Pounga Wai Project

Pounga Wai – a Digital River is a project that seeks to honour the mana of our tupuna Awa. We sincerely thank the following people for supporting us to undertake this project:

  • John Maihi -Te Rūnanga o Tūpoho
  • Hayden Turoa – Te Whawhaki Trust – Ngā Tāngata Tiaki o Whanganui
  • Hayden Potaka – Whanganui Māori Regional Tourism Organisation
  • Prof. James Renwick & Prof. Krushil Watene – Victoria University of Wellington
  • Dr Emma Bugden – Whanganui & Partners

We would like to thank Manatū Taonga Ministry of Culture & Heritage for funding this project

Manatū Taonga Ministry of Culture & Heritage

Me tuku mihi aroha ki a koutou katoa mo ou koutou tautoko, me ou koutou aroha, me ou koutou manaakitanga.

Maringi te tomairangi

He tohu aroha

He tohu miharo

Ki runga ki te iwi

Ka raranga ai i to kaha

Kia whakakotahitia

Tuhono, tuhonotia e

Te Whawhaki Trust – Ngā Tāngata Tiaki

Whanganui Māori Regional Tourism Organisation

Victoria University of Wellington – Te Herenga Waka

Whanganui & Partners