19 Jun 2025
As we prepare to mark Matariki – a time for reflection, renewal, and reconnection – we spoke with two members of Studio Pacific’s Te Waharua rōpū: James Wallace, Managing Director and founding member of Te Waharua, and Trevor Beamsley, who has led the group since September 2023.
Te Waharua was formed to support Studio Pacific in giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi – by growing our understanding of Te Ao Māori, strengthening co-design relationships with Māori and iwi, and amplifying the creative energies of our communities and wider whānau.
Here, James and Trevor share their thoughts on how the kaupapa has grown, what’s changed within the studio and the industry, and where the journey may lead next.
Let’s start at the beginning – how did Te Waharua come about?
James: We established Te Waharua over ten years ago as a way to uplift mātauranga Māori in the studio and our wider community. We wanted to develop tikanga within the practice, and elevate the voice of te ao Māori in the work we do, and in our project relationships. It’s something I’m really proud of – not just for what it’s achieved, but for the people who keep the kaupapa alive each day. We are a better practice today because of Te Waharua.
How have things changed since then – within the studio and across the industry?
Trevor: Even a couple of years ago, there was a lot more hesitation across the industry in authentically engaging with te ao Māori. Now, there’s more confidence, and Te Waharua has had a part in that. People are willing to engage with tikanga and te reo in a supportive, judgement-free environment. Within our team, it’s become part of our day-to-day in a way that feels natural – with waiata, mihi whakatau, whakataukī, and poroporoaki all part of who we are, and how we work today.
James: Before Te Waharua, co-design wasn’t widely understood, and te reo Māori wasn’t very present in our practice. Today, we have confident te reo speakers in the studio, and our teams are actively collaborating with iwi, kaitakawaenga, and tohunga. Our approach to kaupapa Māori design has deepened, and it’s become part of the way we think and work. It’s really encouraging.
What do you think has made that progress possible?
Trevor: It’s been a collective effort – not one person or initiative, but a shared commitment across the studio. That’s what’s made the difference. Te Waharua has provided a space for learning and connection, and that’s helped people grow more comfortable and more curious.
James: And we’ve made space for that learning – whether it’s through mihi, waiata, or opportunities to learn te reo. That kind of foundation gives people the confidence to participate and bring that thinking into their mahi.
What is Te Waharua focusing on at the moment?
James: Lately, we’ve been sharing examples of our recent project stories with the wider team – moments of co-design and collaboration that reflect how te ao Māori has shaped our work. We’re also turning our focus toward Matariki. It’s a meaningful time – a chance to reset, acknowledge the past, and look ahead.
And looking ahead – what are your hopes for the future of Te Waharua?
Trevor: The goal is to keep building confidence – to keep making space for people to connect and learn. If we do that, the kaupapa will keep evolving, and Te Waharua will keep growing with it.
James: There’s a lot on our agenda, but I’m most looking forward to seeing our tikanga continue to grow, te reo continue to flourish, and our collaborations deepen – so that the Pacific future we’re shaping becomes even more connected and meaningful. Te Waharua brings an energy into the practice – it helps drive us forward.
Reflecting on Matariki
Kua roa e whakatō ana te kākano, kua tipu, kua puāwai – ā, ko te hua kei te kāinga, kei te hapori, kei te ao.
The seed has long been planted, it has grown and blossomed – and now the fruits are found at home, in the community, and in the world.
Matariki is a time to reflect on where we’ve come from, and consider where we’re heading. Te Waharua continues to grow through shared effort – helping to build confidence, connection, and understanding across the studio. As the kaupapa evolves, it remains a reminder of the value of learning together, and making space for te ao Māori in our everyday practice.
James Wallace (left), Managing Director and founding member of Te Waharua, and Trevor Beamsley (right), who has led the group since September 2023.