Interactive Engagement with Place and Culture: Experiences from the Hou Rongo Exhibition

HouRongo is a multi-sensory, interactive exhibition revitalising Moriori culture and evoking the feeling of being on Rekohu (Chatham Island). Many different exhibits were created for this event, in close collaboration and co-design with Ta Imi Moriori (community). In this work we discuss two of the exhibits that use visual computing technologies to allow visitors to interact with the forests and birds of Rekohu, The first, AR Riikau Momori, allows visitors to closely examine culturally significant rakau momori in augmented reality. The second, Manu Moriori, creates a forest filled with colourful birds drawn by visitors and reflects the importance of birds in Moriori life and culture. Although just a small part of the broader exhibition, these examples illustrate how careful co-design can lead to interactive experiences that reflect culture and place.