Maori architectural history explored

Matthew Martin | Wednesday, May 11, 2011 6:00

YOUR WHARE: Michael Bennett, formerly of Rotorua, during filming for a series on Maori Television about Maori architecture.

File

The architectural history of Maori will be explored in a new series on Maori Television.

Whare Maori is a fascinating new 13-part documentary series dedicated to exploring this history and delves into the stories of the people who worked together to create buildings where whanau and hapu could celebrate and worship, learn and govern.

Architect Rau Hoskins (Nga Puhi), who lectures in Maori architecture at Unitec Auckland and is director of Design Tribe, will front Whare Maori as presenter, guiding viewers on a journey that explores the rich history of Maori architectureand existing and future trends.

An impressive production lineup includes Qantas Media Award-winning producer Megan Douglas of Scottie Productions, director and co-producer Karen Mackenzie and writer and director Michael Bennett.

Ms Mackenzie said that when she thought about iconic New Zealand buildings, it was not the Sky Tower, the Beehive or the latest designer Remuera mansion that moved her.

"Instead, it's the lone Ratana Church, perched on a hill in Raetihi with its distinctive red domes, it's the unique Hiona temple seen in Vincent Ward's Rain of the Children, it's Lyonel Grant's brand new wharenui at Unitec and the many marae throughout the country nestled into the landscape with their own unique history."

Some of these and more will feature in Whare Maori's debut season, every Sunday until July 31 on Maori Television from 8pm.

Episodes feature Whakarewarewa Village, St Faith's Church and Te Puia.