Identity Through an Indigenous Lens: A Māori Perspective with Ngata Tapsell

In this episode of The MITA Podcast, Tatjana speaks with architect Ngata Tapsell about Māori identity, ancestry, and belonging in modern Aotearoa New Zealand. After 12 years abroad, Ngata returned home to reconnect with his cultural roots. Together, they explore growing up between Māori and European heritage, the resurgence of te reo Māori, language loss, indigenous knowledge systems, and the structural inequalities that continue to shape Māori communities today. Ngata shares how the Māori concept of interconnectedness informs both his personal identity and his architectural work - and why we are, as he says, “our ancestors’ wildest dreams.” A thoughtful conversation about cultural continuity, indigenous worldviews, and what it truly means to come home. --- You’ll Hear About Returning home after 12 years abroad Growing up between Māori and European heritage Cultural in-betweenness and navigating two worlds The resurgence of te reo Māori and language loss Structural inequalities between Māori and non-Māori communities Indigenous knowledge and its relevance today Whakapapa — understanding interconnectedness beyond a family tree Cultural appropriation and intellectual property Architecture as a way of honoring people and place Being “our ancestors’ wildest dreams” --- About the Guest Ngata Tapsell is an architect from Auckland, New Zealand, and the founder of Falk Tapsell Architects.  He is of Māori descent (Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Pūkenga, Tainui, Ngāti Porou) and Danish, Scottish, and Irish lineage, and he has spent his career exploring the tensions and opportunities inherent in culturally diverse individuals and communities. Borne from his own upbringing, this lived experience underpins a deep professional interest in the complex interrelationships that exist between cultures and their representation in the modern built environment. Ngata has amassed considerable and varied experiences over the course of his 25+ year career.  Half of that time was spent working in markets as diverse as Australia, Asia, and the Middle East, and as such, his professional expertise encompasses a range of building typologies at a variety of scales. A leadership style developed across a portfolio of large complex projects, his unique cultural outlook, and the drive to push boundaries are all cornerstones of his work.    Ngata’s expertise has been recognised through his appointment to various industry advisory boards, design panels, and directorships. He is a trusted voice in a wide range of forums and a thought-leader in the field of culturally responsive design. --- Connect with Ngata LinkedIn: https://nz.linkedin.com/in/ngata-tapsell-35967620 --- The MITA Podcast Website – https://www.tatjana-krajsic.com/the-mita-podcast Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/mita.podcast LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/tatjana-krajsic/ --- Produced by Between Tracks - https://www.betweentracks.com