Exceptional teachers who helped change everything for Architecture student
Second-year architecture student Claudia McGough-Morunga says it was one decision— enrolling in Te Hononga Māori Studio —that completely reshaped how she understands architecture.
While a Construction Growth Foundation (CGF) scholarship made it possible for her to undertake the studio programme, Claudia’s quick to point out that it was the teaching team behind the course who truly changed the trajectory of her studies.
Rau Hoskins, Min Hall and Kerry Francis, through their guidance, creativity and unwavering commitment to kaupapa Māori design “lit a fire” that continues to shape her goals today.
Before starting at Unitec, Claudia had been working in the art department of a local TV and film production company and was keen to move towards set design.
“I loved the creative side, but I didn’t have the technical knowledge,” Ms McGough-Morunga says.
So, while on maternity leave, she enrolled in the New Zealand Diploma in Architectural Technology (NZDAT) at Unitec to help build her technical foundations.
That decision alone would have set her on a new pathway — but it was taking drawing and design classes with Amos Clarke that made her realise she was actually more interested in architecture itself: the creativity, the problem-solving, and the challenge of shaping ideas into real, built environments.
From there, stepping into the Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) felt like the natural next move.
Receiving a CGF scholarship meant Claudia could participate in Te Hononga Māori Studio, a decision she describes as “fundamental” to her thinking as both a student and a future architect.
“I wanted my architectural education to reflect the cultural values already central to our whānau.”
Her husband and children whakapapa to Ngāpuhi, and learning under Min and Rau offered her a rare chance to grow that understanding in an authentic, hands-on way.
“Min Hall and Rau Hoskins completely shifted how I think about architecture,” she says.
“Their teaching grounded design in cultural values, long-term responsibility and genuine collaboration with mana whenua.”
Te Hononga is known for its real-world Māori community-based design projects and its immersive, culturally grounded approach to architecture. Claudia travelled to Motueka twice with her studio cohort, working alongside mana whenua at Te Āwhina Marae on the design and construction of a Pātaka Kai (community food pantry).
The experience, she says, changed everything.
“It moved me from designing for communities to designing with communities. Mana whenua aren’t stakeholders — they’re knowledge holders.”
Under Min and Rau’s guidance, Claudia learned to approach design with respect, humility and a strong understanding of whakapapa. She also developed a deeper appreciation for the research side of architecture — exploring the history of land, future environmental challenges, iwi relationships and how these factors influence every design decision.
As a parent, Claudia says the NZDAT was the perfect entry point into architectural study.
“The workload was manageable with my commitments at home, and it gave me a strong technical foundation that prepared me really well for the BAS. The programme is practical, industry-aligned, and an excellent pathway for anyone wanting a supportive start.”
Claudia’s due to complete her degree next year and is particularly interested in roles focused on adaptive reuse, community-led design or public multi-use spaces. Ideally, she’d love to work within Auckland Council or an architectural practice with similar values — and is open to postgraduate study.
