Student's MLA study prompted by Cyclone Gabrielle

Unitec - Student Story

Last year, Ava Roimata Wright’s family bach at Glenbrook Beach was devastated by the flooding caused by Cyclone Gabrielle. This unfortunate event sparked Ava’s journey into her Master of Landscape Architecture research to assist her family and community in mitigating the pluvial flooding from the hinterland and the impending effects of sea level rise.

Ava Rotimata Wright presenting her research.

In collaboration with her family, the Clarks Bay community, mana whenua, Ngaati Te Ata Waiohua, and the esteemed Di Menzies, Ava devised a series of nature-based solutions planned to be implemented over several years. She suggested a managed retreat strategy for a portion of the settlement, which involved moving houses uphill, forming a new bay, and restoring the wetlands behind the remaining houses to manage the overland flooding.

Ava shared her research findings with her examination panel, friends, and family in a heartfelt powhiri at Ngākau Māhaki. The MLA program at Unitec, known for its emphasis on a personalised research journey under the guidance of a personal supervisor, provided Ava with the opportunity to not only work closely with her family but also to acquire skills and knowledge in a field that is crucial in our fight against Climate Change.

If you’re interested in pursuing an MLA, please contact Matthew Bradbury at mbradbury@unitec.ac.nz