In an age of rising seas, intensifying storms and ecological collapse, Indigenous knowledge from Moananui Oceania offers vital blueprints for the future within the region and beyond, particularly related to built environments and infrastructures. Moananui cultures have long perfected the art of thriving in dynamic and fragile ecosystems. Their survival is not accidental; it stems from deeply ingrained knowledge systems that weave cultural worldviews with advanced ways of working with nature across various scales. From comprehensive whole-island and ki uta, ki tai (ridge-to-reef landscape management) to neighbourhood-level spatial organisation and down to individual buildings, gardens and built environment components, diverse Moananui practices offer compelling, time-tested models for climate adaptation, particularly ones that work with climate, ecologies and complex nuanced world views of relationality.
This research details the technical functionality of these systems (the “what”) but also delves into the cultural values and worldviews that underpin their resilience and regenerative power (the “why”). Indigenous practices, anchored in respect for land, ocean, people and relationships between these elements, are key to thriving, sustainable communities, not just for Pacific peoples but for the global community. Far from being relics of the past, these living systems are or can become, thriving models for tomorrow’s world, fuelled by a cultural renaissance in Moananui Oceania and a reawakening of landscape-level living systems. As this revival of Oceanic knowledge gains momentum, this research serves as a crucial platform to amplify these voices and share strategies to adjust built environments that can help humanity address its most urgent environmental challenges.
Professor Refiti leads the integration of Pacific spatial and cultural knowledge, contributing theoretical insights on vā (space) and wā (time) that shape the project’s foundation.
Associate Professor Yates focuses on mauri-centered regenerative strategies, at ecosystem, urban and architectural scales.
Associate Professor Pedersen Zari applies green-blue-grey urban infrastructure strategies and leads the integration of MLS principles into urban settings.
Sibyl Bloomfield leads participatory research, ensuring the integration of Indigenous and place-based knowledge.
Dr Lelaulu focuses on practice-led research, incorporating Indigenous design frameworks to support Moananui communities.
A. Refiti, A Yates, M Pedersen Zari, S Bloomfield, T Lelaulu (2025)