Tohunga

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tohunga (modified)
1. (stative) be expert, proficient, adept. 
2. (noun) skilled person, chosen expert, priest - a person chosen by the agent of an atua and the tribe as a leader in a particular field because of signs indicating talent for a particular vocation. They functioned as priests, gave advice about economic activities, and were experts in sacred lore, spiritual beliefs, traditions and genealogies of the tribe. 
The concept of the Tohunga is central to this pathfinder. Tohunga were 'experts' in their field, and also visionaries who guided their people to knowledge. The lack of texts or books on makerspaces is in stark contrast to plentiful and diverse maker activity. Using a tohunga approach emphasises a connection from the pre-literate past to the post-literate future, promotes an understanding of information as being experiential in nature, and encourages conversation and collaboration as a relevant route to knowledge.The tohunga for makerspaces in Aotearoa New Zealand are not so much individual people as institutions, organisations and websites. This list is in no particular order.

  • Colab: the collaboratory for Design and Creative Technologies at the Auckland University of Technology (AUT), New Zealand
  • The Meshed Co-op: is a collective of like-minded individuals and groups looking at ways of using Free, Libre, Open Source Software (FLOSS) Systems & Solutions to deliver value to Small and Medium Businesses (SMB’s) in New Zealand and abroad
  • The Mindlab:  is a pioneer in digital and collaborative learning reflecting the new theoretical and practical frameworks of contemporary education. 
  • D-Space: is a shared workshop where everyone is invited to work and create. 
  • MakePlace: a shared project space (hackerspace, makerspace, fablab) where everyone is invited to Make and Do.

1 comment:

  1. Danny is no longer running Vivenda - he now runs tour busses in Europe. Please also add Taplab.nz. gribblehirst (in mt eden) will be online soon. check out makertrail.nz for other links

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