Description:

Piwakawaka is a bi-cultural brand project proposed by our tutors that required the development of a place brand for a New Zealand town or city. For example, Ōtautahi - Christchurch's place brand.

Methven was the chosen location; it is currently known as a typical ‘western’ ski town and is usually only occupied for that reason.

Nature's ground zero aims to re-brand that vision into reminding us of our surroundings and our cultural heritage and what it has to offer. Making it an attraction throughout all seasons and truly connecting with our environment in proper ways.

Methven is close to a rich part of whakamatu; a mahinga kai, where foods such as kiore, weka, moa, kereū and many others gathered. This is also where the Taniwha of the Rakaia River came to feed, the animals were considered sacred possessions of the taniwha.

Taking this as an inspiration formed natures ground zero. Methven is surrounded by the mountains, braided rivers and lakes up above, which all have cultural essence and heritage. We gather together to see these sacred lands and experience them in our own way.

The rebrand aims to provide hospitality with the understanding of relevance towards learning about our surroundings. Our surroundings are all connected, as we are with them. So, let's enjoy our adventures and find ourselves within them.

Introducing: Natures Ground Zero