Core inspirations of Rohe (place), Tikanga -rua (Biculturalism) and Kaitiakitanga (Sustainability) guide our principles:

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Local Knowledge - Indigenous Knowledge



Communities that have lived in an area for many generations carry with them sets of values built around local assets enabling them to thrive. Successful social and economic development comes from the heart of local communities and not from a centralised system. Our first principle is to listen and learn from those within each environment.



​Local Renewable Resources



While we share the excitement of emerging technologies and materials there is great value in understanding how to use local materials. This includes their value as building materials, food sources, and medicinal properties.  





Open source design and development



Open invention and sharing create genuine economic wealth. When we share more we need less...our trading systems are near optimization .

 

Making use of under utilised land for future generations



Current systems do not give true value to local resources. They tend to value only limited resources. When a system provides abundance this is incompatible to our  capitalist system.



Simple rich technologies



Technology does not have to be complex  to resolve a complex issue. An example of this is our cook-stove project  here where a basic understanding of rocket stove design can provide a healthy,affordable option to open fire ​cooking.



The Starfish Model of collaboration

Partnerships/relationships formed around diverse and disciplined teams - we dont have time to waste through inflexibility.