News: Artefacts of Relations session at ASAO 2023

The Vā Moana cluster was fortunate to travel to Kona, Hawaiʻi for the 2023 ASAO meeting. We held an informal session, Artefacts of Relations: Building in Te Moananui, that was a lively, well-attended and diverse discussion, widely covering issues relating to Moana architecture.

Co-convened by Albert Refiti and Rau Hoskins, the session unfolded as a talanoa, “talking critically but harmoniously” (Māhina) or “relationally mindful critical oratory”. Beginning with kava and introductions, the session covered a full day with presentations by Lilikalā Kame’eleihiwa, Tina Engels-Schwarzpaul, James Miller, Tokainiua Devantine, Athol Greentree, Christoph Schnoor, Mike Austin, Raukura Turei, Rau Hoskins, Elisapeta Heta, Anthony Hoete, Jade Kake, Billie Lythberg, Charmaine Ilaiu Talei, Lama Tone, Elyjana Roach, Tuputau Lelaulu, and Tavakefai‘ana Semisi Potauaine, Bruce Sione To‘a Moa and Hūfanga ‘Okusitino Māhina. The session was so well-attended that additional presentations are still to come from Sione Faletau and Albert Refiti. Participants were not required to have papers written in advance, as the session intended to support and lead to the research findings being shaped into formal papers. There will be a follow-up session in Tāmaki Makaurau later in the year.

The session concluded with a visit to Hāpaiali’i Heiau, led by Māhealani Pai and Lilikalā Kame’eleihiwa.

Image: Lilikalā Kame’eleihiwa photographed by Tuputau Lelaulu