The story of pounamu
Enter the Pounamu Pā
Opening in 2024 Māwhera Pā is the first of four major cultural hubs along the Pounamu Pathway. A collaboration between Poutini Ngāi Tahu and Wētā Workshop, this immersive experience narrates the Legends, Battles, Ancestors and Settlements of the Te Tai o Poutini, the South Island of New Zealand.
Mawhera Pā invites visitors to step into the rich cultural landscape that shapes the descendants of Poutini Ngai Tahu.
Bringing legends to life
Battles Whare A panoramic audio visual experience, an epic narration of the battle for precious pounamu, between Poutini Ngai Tahu and Waitaha. Stories are accompanied by visceral illustrations and lighting that convey the stories as if in a storybook
Ancestors Whare A larger than life hyper realistic figure of the great chief, Tuhuru poised as he cleanses his mere pounamu. Accompanied by the spirit of Papakura, his warrior wife, and Moroiti his sister. The experience is both intimate and suspenseful.
Legends Whare Across the face of the God Tūterakiwhanoa, who carved and shaped the South Island plays a vivid elemental display of the landscape taking shape.
5 experiences are housed within 5 semi enclosed whare forms, with the outer facades inspired by chiefly korowai cloaks.
Each one bears a significance to the immersive experience within.
A pattern language was developed for each to envelope it's story.
Exploring Typologies
Defining Leaders
Working with cultural experts we developed the design of the korowai(cloak) and adornments for representing these legendary leaders. Their essence and spirit brought to life through animation - their korowai feathers like pounamu shards shimmering with movement.
Animation by Motion + Light
