Tiana Malina Te Rongopatahi Mo’iha is a Kanaka Maoli, Tongan, Filipino, wahine māhū from Hāna Maui, Kingdom of Hawaii.
At Adaptation Futures 2025, she will contribute both as a multidisipliary artist, cultural practitioner and an alaka‘i (leader) in the practice of kūkulu hale—the indigenous engineering and architecture of Hawai’i. Her exhibition, Kukulu Hale; Kukulu Kaiaulu, centers on the physical and metaphorical act of building: constructing a hale (house) while simultaneously nurturing kaiaulu (community).
Drawing from ancestral knowledge systems, Tiana emphasizes methods that are sustainable, intergenerational, and deeply rooted in relationship to place. All natural resources used in this work will be gathered respectfully from the lands and waters of Waitaha, Te Waipounamu, and Moananuiākea, ensuring that the process honors both the environment and the living communities it sustains.
Her contribution offers accessibility to ancestral knowledge that spans the breadth of Moananuiākea, connecting Hawai‘i with Aotearoa and the wider Pacific. Beyond showcasing Indigenous innovation in architecture, Tiana’s presence will empower communities by fostering collaboration, dialogue, and hands-on participation. Through the building of a hale, participants and audiences alike will be invited into a living process—an experience of adaptation that is not only about structures, but about strengthening relationships, knowledge-sharing, and resilience across oceans.
She wears many hats and is an alaka’i for halau hale kuhikuhi, under the tutelage of her uncle and kumu Francis Palani Sinenci, which is a traditional school for indigenous kanaka maoli engineering and architecture. Alongside this, Te Rongopatahi Mo’iha, is also a multifaceted cultural practitioner, educator, musician, artist, creator, actor, and dynamic community leader.
Her work is deeply rooted in her heritage and community where she maintains a connection with traditional practices such as kūkulu hale building, lei making, ukelele playing, ocean sailing, lauhala weaving, and more. Through her practice, Tiana is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich heritage of Hawai’i, Moana nui a Kea and all indigenous peoples.
As the founder and CEO of Indi-Genius Minds, Tiana creates cultural artifacts and innovative educational tools and programs designed to reconnect individuals with nature, culture, and identity. Her work weaves together Indigenous knowledge and ancestral wisdom with diverse practices, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of Indigenous cultures and values.
During the welcome gathering for her, Tiana said that she was excited by the residency and the potential to engage with the university and wider community. She added that her work is guided by the Hawaiian proverb: “Ma ka hana ka ‘ike - in working one learns” (2088 Ōlelo No’eau, Mary Kawena Pukui).
Distinguished Professor Steven Ratuva, Pro Vice-Chancellor Pacific said, in welcoming Tiana, that: “We are very fortunate to have Tiana as Artist in Residence as her artistic skills are of very high calibre, trans-Pacific, interdisciplinary and spans across traditional architecture, music and other forms of creative expressions.”
Tiana will be in residence for three months from August to October 2025.