New Zealand

Resourceful DIY

Contents

• N’z’lnd aesthetic• Historical drivers• Present day manifestation• The future?• Product definition statement

What is the N’z’lnd aesthetic?

• The aesthetic of New Zealand translates a raw DIY attitude• High level of resourcefulness• Use of whatever material is at hand or readily available • Creative associations - humour• Plenty of character and attitude

1Thomson, Jeff. Corrugated Iron Station Wagon, Te Papa. www.tpo.tepapa.govt.nz. Accessed 10/03/2008.

Historical drivers

• Polynesian settlers migrated south – many crops failed

• Maori culture – strong connection between object and maker

1Smythe, Michael. Creative Continuum. www.betterby design.org.nz/. Accesed 10/03/2008.

Historical drivers

• The New Zealand Company (Edward Gibbon Wakefield)– “industrious immigrants of the labouring

class”– “carpenters, mechanics, navvies, sheperds,

miners and domestic female servants”

• Self-sufficiency encouraged by land allocation– Settlers imports limited to sea-chests and

compact boat furnishing

1New Zealand Company Poster, 1848. http://www.teara.govt..nz. Accessed 10/03/2008

Historical drivers

• Government Policy– Life under economic protectionism meant many components of

imported items needed to be manufactured (copied) locally

“effective immediately, all imports of manufactured goods would cease”, Walter Nash, 1934

1Smythe, Michael. Creative Continuum. www.betterby design.org.nz/. Accesed 10/03/2008.

Present day manifestation

• New Zealanders take pride in being resourceful DIYers• Creates a unique ad-hoc style• Form follows humour• Communicates independence and individuality

Present day manifestation

• The DIY approach carries through to New Zealand Art and Design

OrcaTrubridge

David Trubridge. www.davidtrubridge.com. Accessed 10/03/2008Orca Promotion. www.orca.com. Accessed 10/03/08

The Future

• Considerations– Increased cheap imports, affordable “off-the-

shelf” solutions– Loss of need for DIY– Cultural retention of characterised style– Environmental factors

• Possibilities– Increased availability of customisable kitset

products to maintain the pride of DIY– Products with an “I could have made that”

aesthetic– Emphasis on local sourcing

Pipe Chair – Natasha Perkins.

www.pokono.co.nz, retrieved 10-03-08

Problem Statement

• New Zealand’s strong DIY culture is a source of individuality and national identity.

• This culture may, however, gradually be eroded through the increased availability of cheap imports and a lessened focus on hands-on practical activities.

• Is it possible to design a culturally relevant and useful product that effectively communicates and entrenches the DIY value set in a tangible form?

• Yes, it is. And we’ll show you how in our next presentation!