02 Apr 2018
An architect using design to address issue of poverty, racial and gender inequality and the environment has won the Creative New Zealand and Massey University Arts and Creativity Award at the 2018 Prime Minister’s Pacific Youth Awards.
John Belford-Lelaulu of Auckland was presented with his award at a special ceremony at the Fale o Samoa in Mangere that acknowledged eight other young Pasifika leaders across a range of disciplines.
John is one of 10 children born to Samoan migrant parents who arrived in New Zealand in the 1950s. He was the top student of the Year 5 Master of Architecture programme in 2015, was the project leader on Mobile Education Facilities for New York’s homeless community and has set up his own social design business – MAU Studio.
This is the fifth year that Creative New Zealand has supported the awards which are run by the Ministry for Pacific Peoples.
Arts Council deputy chair Caren Rangi said Creative New Zealand was delighted this year to be supporting the ward in conjunction with Massey University.
“Creativity is at the heart of successful, strong and prosperous communities and we look forward to seeing John develop is talent and career,” said Arts Council Deputy Chair Caren Rangi.
Mr Belford-Lelaulu is planning to use the award to assist with the rollout of a project that works with secondary and tertiary students to come up with design responses to challenges that affect Pasifika communities.
Share this
