Image credit: Ringa Hora Workforce Development Council
We’re excited to announce the mana whenua advisor for the design of our new play space at Te Matapihi ki Te Ao Nui, Wellington Central Library.
Ben Ngaia (Te Āti Awa) is a respected Māori leader, educator and advocate for te Mātauranga Māori, particularly in relation to his iwi. This includes cultural revitalisation, marine and coastal authority impacts, Te Tiriti pre and post settlement processes, and protection of wāhi tapu.
Ben grew up in Wellington and is the author of award-winning book, Ngake me Whātaitai, the story of two taniwha of Te Whanganui-a-Tara. Ben is also a member of Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko-o-te-Ika Whakapapa Committee; on the board of Tāwhiri – Festivals and Experiences; and has a leadership role at Ringa Hora workforce development council. His diverse professional roles have encompassed education publishing organisations, tertiary providers, government education entities, and post-treaty settlement trust and iwi lands-based trusts. Mātauranga Māori has been a significant part of guiding his professional journey.
Ben’s support will help ensure our new play space reflects local pūrākau, values, and connections to place. Ben is working alongside Scott Parker who is designing and building the play space with the Nōku te Ao Capital E tīma.