Maumoana: An Indigenous Design Framework for Regenerating Moananui Living Systems.

Abstract

Maumoana is a practice-led study investigating the synergies between the regenerative paradigm and radical indigenism from a Moananui perspective. This study encapsulates two research aims: 1) the development of the Maumoana regenerative design framework derived from Moananui living systems and related concepts, and 2) the implementation of a design using Maumoana to devise a masterplan for regenerating Samoan living systems, offering alternative land-use strategies, and a regenerative development concept plans for Palauli Plantation.

The study begins with a regenerative analysis of Palauli Plantation, building on previous surveys by researchers Gregory Jackmond (1976) and Helene Martinsson-Wallin (2002), which shed light on prehistoric settlement patterns in Palauli and Samoa. Archaeological investigations and surveys by Gregory Jackmond in 1977-1978 unearthed over 3000 features. Amongst the findings was the Pulemelei Mound, which is considered one of the most significant freestanding stone structures across Moananui. The monument and surrounding archaeological findings are a testament to Moananui's intensive settlement patterns and socio-environmental organization, indicating complex and highly organised societies. Despite the evidence of intensive settlement, the complete living system at Palauli remains underexplored. This research fills that gap in our knowledge by comparing various Moananui living systems, such as ahupua'a, tapere, va'a mata'eina'a, and kāinga, identifying Palauli's historical settlement as a fua'iala system—a dynamic model of living that emphasizes the interconnectivity of community and environment.

Following this analysis, the dissertation develops a set of Moananui regenerative design frameworks informed by the shared concepts and principles observed in existing living systems. Moananui principles form the core of Maumoana, a regenerative design framework that enables communities and design practitioners to integrate cultural values and spatial concepts systematically in the regenerative development across Moananui. Maumoana design frameworks include Mauri Moana, Mana Moana, Vā Moana, Vanua Moana, Ara Moana, Wao Moana, and Mau Moana. This framework is contextualized by analysing Moananui living systems and Indigenous regenerative design frameworks such as the Mauri Ora Compass (Yates, 2019) and the Seven First Principles of Regeneration (Sanford, 2020). The final chapters of the study demonstrate the application of Maumoana in Palauli Plantation, proposing it as a conservation and regeneration model that aligns with the cultural and environmental priorities of local communities like Vailoa, Vaito'omuli, and Fa'aala, and the current landowners, Olaf Nelson Properties Limited. Amidst the backdrop of land sale considerations by OF Nelson Properties Ltd, this research contributes to an ongoing Regenerative Feasibility Study led by MAU Studio and OFNPL, mapping out land-use strategies that protect and celebrate the region's cultural heritage.

Maumoana not only advances the field of Indigenous and regenerative design in Moananui but also responds to the urgent need to integrate Indigenous knowledge into urban development policies in the face of natural catastrophes and regional reliance on external assistance. It underscores the importance of preserving Moananui living systems, which are increasingly threatened by rapid development, climate change, and other global pressures. By advocating for a shift from mechanical to Indigenous and regenerative perspectives, this study calls for radical changes that prioritize place-based, culturally informed, and regenerative practices. Therefore, the study contributes significantly to the discourse on Indigenous knowledge and regenerative design in moving towards a self-sufficient and resilient Moananui.