App helps connect history
A marae’s founding history is coming alive through interactive carvings and murals.
Papakura Marae is launching an app for mobile devices that brings stories to life as visitors walk through the grounds.
Devices held over carvings and murals in the wharenui will activate audio and video information connecting guests to the culture, taonga and services of the marae.
Marae protocols are also taught through the GPS technology as further information is shared when a password is activated after the powhiri.
The app is also launching with a complimentary book written by marae kaumatua Haare Williams and an interactive e-book which shares stories of the marae’s founding.
Williams’ book is a revised version of the original booklet created at the time of the marae’s opening in 1990.
The app is the work of Maggie Buxton who produced the technology as part of her PhD research at AUT.
The e-book was a collaboration between AUT student India Deveraux and Julian Spooner and follows the history of the marae through to its present day.
‘‘It’s wonderful to see my research turned into practical outcomes for the Papakura community.’’
*Go to the device store and search ‘‘The Marae’’ to download the app.