Brian Tunui and his son Ben will graduate together in December 2021!
Brian, Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Mākino, Tuhourangi-Wāhiao and Samoan, recently completed his PhD at Te Kawa a Māui, and will graduate together with his son Ben, also Te Ati Awa on his Mother’s side, who will receive a Masters in the School of Architecture.
Brian, Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Mākino, Tuhourangi-Wāhiao and Samoan, recently completed his PhD at Te Kawa a Māui, and will graduate together with his son Ben, also Te Ati Awa on his Mother’s side, who will receive a Masters in the School of Architecture.
Ben chose to study Architecture in his last year of high school with no prior knowledge and loved being able to draw and be in the creative field. Ben’s motivation comes from his joy for solving problems. During his undergraduate degree he was inspired by buildings and spaces created by Tennent Brown Architects, who he now works for. Ben says the firm works to develop a client-architect relationship which he thinks resonates with a Māori perspective and is a pivotal part of the design process.
In December 2020, Ben won the national Te Kāhui Whaihanga Resene Student Design Awards with with his project ‘Utu”. His thesis draws architectural form and spatial composition from Māori rituals of encounter, and questions how elements of contemporary tikanga Māori can be expressed architecturally.
“It’s important to carry Māori values in Pākeha dominated industries and learning institutions—a sense of rangatiratanga goes a long way.” - Ben
Brian’s motivation to undertake a PhD journey came from a desire to explore how tikanga Māori, when employed in Māori investment, could make a positive contribution and difference to Māori social deprivation.
His kaupapa originated at a marae AGM, when a homeless whānau member addressed the hui to ask how the iwi could help her and her children. This highlighted a need for Māori investment organisations to explore investment philosophies that could help to build an economic base, which at the same time allows iwi to enhance the well-being of their people.
“Those involved in whānau, hapū or iwi activities, know that the need is always greater than the available resources. Both research and expertise is needed to explore new ways of thinking that can help develop and employ resources in a manner that benefits both existing and future generations.” - Brian
Ben found his dad’s passion and work ethic has set a great example of what achievement can look like and enjoyed being able to share their academic journey together. Ben is very proud of his dad’s academic achievements and feels extremely grateful to be graduating alongside his pāpā and that they will share in celebrations of their success together. They both acknowledge the amazing support of whānau, iwi and respective schools throughout their academic journeys. MAI ki Pōneke was also an important support network for Brian during his PhD journey.
Brian sees opportunities for further research and teaching ahead, as well as a continuation of his mahi with whānau, hapū and iwi that he is so passionate about. Ben will pick up on his te reo Māori journey again and seek to further his knowledge around Toi Māori.