Te HĪringa (The Rising)

Taranaki Cancer Centre, New Plymouth

In collaboration with David Hakaraia

Design and fabrication of a lighting installation, applying computational design into a bespoke image product. Made with recycled + reclaimed materials.

Telling the timeless story of Māui Tikitiki-a-Taranga and his ingenious plan to tame Tāmanuiterā, the Sun.

The ceiling rose, a celestial hub representing the heavens, radiates the light of Tāmanuiterā. Suspended below are the lights, each symbolising a key part in the tale. At the centre is Māui, the bold and inventive hero, represented by a distinctively designed light, reflecting his leadership and extraordinary nature. Surrounding Māui are four similar lights, representing his brothers. United in form, these lights embody the strength and shared purpose of whānau, with Māui at the heart, leading their mission to slow Tāmanuiterā’s relentless journey.

The power cords suspending the lights symbolise the ropes Māui and his brothers used to capture Tāmanuiterā. Twisting and purposeful, they evoke the collaborative effort required for profound achievements, linking ancient wisdom to modern technology. This sculptural lighting piece is more than functional; it is a living narrative, a beacon of mātauranga Māori, and a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of Māui and his whānau.

In the radiotherapy lab, where light and energy converge to heal and restore, the tale takes on new significance. The lights become a symbol of balance, courage, and innovation—qualities mirrored in the lab’s work. This narrative-rich design invites reection on ancestral stories and their enduring relevance. It quietly reminds all who enter that with innovation, resilience, and unity, even the most formidable forces can be harnessed for humanity’s betterment.