Master of Creative Practice graduates Atarangi Anderson (Te Aitanga a Hauiti, Ngāti Hauiti) and Matt Joils, along with Master of Architecture (Professional) graduates Victoria Carran and Yingxi Liu were presented with their certificates in a ceremony at Toi o Wairaka Gallery on Mt Albert campus in front of their whānau, supporters and academic supervisors.

Unitec has a range of Master’s programmes, all of which build on undergraduate degrees in the schools that offer them. Often described as a “research Masters”, these programmes provide ākonga with the next level of learning independence, toward demonstrating mastery in their chosen field.

The research also provides the opportunity for ākonga to benefit from staff research programmes, research groups in a school or a research centre, under the guidance of their personal supervisors.

“These outstanding akōnga have been recognised for having achieved the highest possible grade from across six Master’s’ programmes and more than 75 students,” says Marcus Williams, Unitec’s Director Research and Enterprise, Tūāpapa Rangahau.

“Along with practical work, they have completed a significant research document under the expert guidance of two supervisors and the content matter in all cases is insightful, informative and demonstrates a high degree of critical thinking.

“The significance of their achievement is astounding, and we salute these akōnga.”

Master of Architecture graduate Yingxi Liu, who also achieved an A+ with Distinction in Architectural Design, explored the existence of time in place and non-place (spaces not concerned with identity) in her research project, Almost Unnoticeable.

The project’s starting point was an exploration of the sense of relief a traveller might feel at an airport – they provide shared equal identities for those who are struggling to adapt or fit in.

Liu also explored the architectural possibilities of space as a way of recultivating cultural individuality.

A direct challenge to architectural education in Aotearoa is the theme of Master of Architecture student Victoria Carran’s research project, OF THIS PLACE.

Her thesis investigates how architecture schools teach using imported design references, theories, methods, and practices that lack relevance to our communities.

Ms Carran concludes that this non-contextual way of teaching architecture deters many (especially Māori) from entering the industry and fails to prepare ākonga for their responsibility as future place-makers.

Master of Creative Practice graduate Atarangi Anderson focuses on the intricate relationship between wahine Māori and Māori aute (tapa or barkcloth) in her body of research, He wāhine He aute, exploring the cultural and spiritual significance of this traditional practice.

Ms Anderson reflects on the foundational understanding of wahine Māori as kaitiaki (or guardians) of aute, and how aute binds Te Moana-nui-a- kiwa (the Pacific) and its people together.

False Rebus – the work of fellow Master of Creative Practice student Matt Joils, discusses the relevant studio practices that contributed to the production of multiple artworks, namely drawing, collage, construction and painting.

“Painting is outlined as a playful process of improvisation that involves decision-making, temporarily adopted rules of engagement and jokes. It’s also described as a psychological drama where one might face one’s own limitations and fears – such as the fear of failure,” Matt says.

The recipients received a cash prize as part of their award.