The Designers Institute have partnered with Ngā Aho Incorporated, a national society of Māori Designers, to bring an
exciting new award to the stage of Best 2012 - the 'Ngā Aho Award for Aotearoaness'.
The Award will recognise excellence in design that reflects and articulates a clear understanding of who we are and
where we are in our unique corner of Moana nui-a-Kiwa, the Pacific Ocean, by responding to our indigenous culture,
heritage and sense of place, as well as recognising the value of collaborative practice across cultures, between
designers and between designers and their clients.
"This is an exciting new partnership for The Institute that highlights an important aspect of design practice in
Aotearoa, New Zealand. We anticipate that this award will not only showcase outstanding work and profile outstanding
practitioners in our national community but that it will also garner international interest and demonstrate unique ways
of designing for others to consider. Tony Parker, President, Designers Institute of New Zealand.
'Nga Aho was formed to realise the professional capabilities of the Maori Design Community. We are guided by the belief
that a visible and proactive indigenous design community brings benefit to New Zealand. Nga Aho are pleased to work with
the Designers Institute to bring this award to Best and look forward to ongoing recognition of design excellence that
connects with our unique place and culture". Desna Whaanga-Schollum and Rau Hoskins, Co-chairs, Nga Aho Inc.
Kaupapa / Purpose:
The Ngā Aho Award for Aotearoaness recognises excellence in two areas:
1. Aotearoaness:
Design that reflects a clear understanding of who we are and where we are in our unique corner of Moana nui a Kiwa, the
Pacific Ocean, by responding to our indigenous culture, heritage and sense of place.
2. Collaborative practice:
Design that results from meaningful collaboration.
Ngā Aho recognises the collaborative practice of ‘co-design’, requiring an effective and measureable engagement between
designers and clients, as Best practice when working within and between cultures, whether that be:
• Māori or non-Māori Designers working with Māori clients, or;
• Māori and non-Māori Designers working with one another to express uniquely NZ design that exudes Aotearoaness, or;
• Non-Māori designers engaging with Māori people, culture and identity to develop work that seeks to expresses
Aotearoaness
To enter the Nga Aho Award www.bestawards.co.nz
The Designers Institute couldn’t exist without the support of our amazing sponsors.
Our Sponsors
Platinum
Gold
Silver
ENDS