Description:

Mutuality is a floating ecospot on Te Awa Kairangi (Hutt River) designed to transform a section of the river into an improved habitat for wildlife whilst providing people with educational and recreational space in the heart of the urban centre of Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai (Lower Hutt).

Mutuality empowers the mutual wellbeing of people and place. Proposed as part of the Riverlink project, a partnership between mana whenua, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, Hutt City Council, the Greater Wellington Regional Council “to improve transport connections and flood protection and support urban revitalisation of Hutt City” (Hutt City Council).

The design is built from a nature-based approach, considering the potential benefits to the environment by which the ecospot is surrounded. A key focus is regenerating the river ecosystem by creating food, shelter and living opportunities for wildlife, particularly aquatic, that has been washed out by human impact; forced straightening of river banks and pollution.

Due to climate change Te Awa Kairangi is facing more frequent and severe flooding. Mutuality is designed to be reactive at normal and flooded levels of the river, continuing to regenerate an ecosystem lost over time. It is designed to care for the awa (river), by not introduce anything unwanted, through carefully considered material, shape and form choices to develop the ecospot structure.

Mutuality provides humans with a recreational space but also invites thought and awareness as to how we can better the environment we are surrounded by, resulting in personal and communal well being. Rooted in indigenous Māori knowledge, learning from the narratives and values of Papatūānuku, Mutuality acknowledges the responsibilities we have to protect, reverse damage and reconnect all intertwined relations by introducing stories to those unaware of them, and creating a physical space to reflect. I would like to acknowledge that I am not mana whenua and should this project ever be realized it would be reviewed and developed alongside mana whenua to ensure mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge), Te Ao Māori (Māori worlds view) and tino rangatiratanga (self-determination) is upheld through the design process .

Mutuality envisions better living and improvement of ecologies in Te Awa Kairangi resulting in the wellbeing of place and people as they feel more connected to a flourishing awa.