Jasmax Insights into Industry programme inspires Pasifika architecture and design students

A valuable relationship continues to grow between Jasmax Te-Whanganui-a-Tara and the Pasifika students from Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington’s Faculty of Architecture and Design (WFADI).

9 August 2024

Following on from a Crit Culture event at the firm last month, where Māori and Pasifika students presented their ideas, the Insights into Industry programme in July strengthened the bond between the groups.

Led by Kaline Masitabua and Sara Mcleod-Venu, president and treasurer respectively of the newly formed Te Aro Pasifika Students Association (TAPSA), this workplace experience was arranged with support from the University’s Careers and Employment team.

“Half of those who participated had never visited an architectural practice—this is essential if we are to build a strong bond between school and industry,” says Kaline. “We encouraged all Pasifika WFADI students, from first- to fourth-year, to participate.” The ten participating students were from Pacific nations including Sāmoa, Tonga, Fiji, and the Cook Islands.

During the programme, students were divided into two groups, embarking on different routes in central Wellington. One group went towards the waterfront, walking from Te Ngākau Civic Square through to Frank Kitts Park where the proposed Fale Malae is situated. The other group went up Featherston St, visiting BNZ Place, before carrying on along the urban streetscape.

“Throughout the tour, students started to unpick what constitutes design in the public realm by interrogating these existing spaces on the waterfront,” explains Ryan Simpson, WFADI’s Pacific Student Success engagement advisor.

Following these visits, the students participated in a design exercise led by Jasmax landscape architect Matt Calder along the Golden Mile. This gave the students the opportunity to analyse their journey and present their ideas on the elements that constitute public space through drawings over various scales and plan layers.

Second-year building science student Phillip Ngatoko enjoyed the exercise, saying, “this exercise helped me appreciate the complexity, calibre, and level of effort of discussions occurring throughout the design phase.”

As the Insights into Industry programme concluded, the cohort gathered at Jasmax to hear from their employee, Te Herenga Waka alumnus Ben Nielsen (Ngāpuhi), who shared his experiences of navigating the profession and exploring the built environment through whakapapa. He explained to the students, “you should appreciate the journey of always being a work in progress, to find the ultimate you, your strengths, passion, and connection to your place.”

Principal and co-lead of Jasmax Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Evelyn Axten, who is herself an alumna of the University thanked the group for arranging the collaboration. “We enjoyed having your students here in the studio. Some amazing discussions were had, with thoughts exchanged.”

Careers and Employment manager Andrew Tui, who attended the programme, expressed his appreciation of the work Jasmax undertook to provide a valuable opportunity to the students, and the TAPSA students gifted a hand-crafted taonga of appreciation to Jasmax.

Every one of the students who participated in the programme said they would recommend the experience to other Pasifika students. The after-event survey also highlighted a significant boost in students’ confidence in talking directly with employers.

This initiative broadened the students’ understanding of the architectural industry and provided them with the confidence and connections to pursue their careers with confidence.

Originally published by Pasifika Hub.