New Zealand World Expo

Pavilion | Completed | 2021

Dubai | UAE

 The pavilion stands as a remarkable tribute to the profound cultural heritage of New Zealand’s indigenous people, the Maori. Drawing inspiration from the waka taonga, these receptacles, known as waka huia and papahou, have been integral to safeguarding items of immense intrinsic worth within Maori culture. These beautifully carved vessels transcend mere containers; they are revered symbols embodying the essence of protection, the preservation of values, and the continuity of traditions—a tangible link binding generations.
Waka huia and papahou were not just crafted; they were bestowed as gifts to foster relationships, kindle new alliances, and ensure the perpetuation of ancestral wisdom. Within their adorned contours reside narratives and practices that transcend time, passed down from one era to the next.
Guided by this rich heritage, the pavilion’s architectural concept mirrors the waka taonga’s essence—an emblem of unity. It epitomizes the ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ motif of Expo 2020. This cultural narrative transcends national borders, inviting visitors to partake in a global tapestry of shared wisdom and experiences.
In the heart of Expo 2020, the pavilion emerges as our very own waka taonga—an embodiment of New Zealand’s core identity and values. It symbolizes our nation’s offering to the world—a concept known as ‘kaitiakitanga’—a deep-rooted commitment to ‘Care for People and Place.’ Just as the waka huia and papahou safeguarded treasures, this pavilion becomes a sanctuary where New Zealand’s cultural treasures are both protected and shared, bridging the gap between past, present, and future, and inviting the world to embrace the spirit of unity, heritage, and care.