Te Whakaoranga o te Puhinui: Puhinui Regeneration

Te Puhinui Regeneration is a flagship project utilizing a living system and whakapapa centred wellbeing approach to design that integrates western ecological and regenerative development concepts with indigenous tikanga (protocols), frameworks and narratives. It sets out core values, a clear purpose and vision, principles, responsibilities and obligations, and identifies strategic initiatives, design guidelines and a programme of works for future projects. These respond directly to the unique character of Te Puhinui, its inherent challenges and opportunities, alongside current issues related to population growth, urban development, ecological degradation, climate adaptation, social deprivation and building community capacity and capability.

The Puhinui Regeneration Strategy is ratified through Te Whakaoranga o Te Puhinui Charter - a potential world first agreement and acknowledgement of the collaboration and mutual respect between all signatories, including indigenous leaders (Waiohua), local communities, council and Crown agencies towards the regeneration of Te Puhinui.

Te Whakaoranga o te Puhinui has received an ‘Outstanding Award’ in the Unbuilt Parks and Environment category at the 2021 Asia Pacific International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) awards. The judges citation was “an excellent project that integrates Western ecological planning and design strategies with indigenous narratives. The layering of metaphysical information and design quality is impressive, while the methodology, planning process and design guidelines are highly innovative, exhibiting exemplary thought leadership.”

Resilio Studio were re-engaged by Eke Panuku to work alongside Waiohua iwi, and other project partners and collaborators to develop or support the development of specific strategic initiatives outlined in the Puhinui Regeneration Strategy.