Ayla Hoeta (Waikato Tainui, Ngaati Tahinga)

Ayla is a lecturer in the Design Programme within Te Pare the School of Architecture, Urban Planning and Design at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland. She is a Maaori designer, researcher, Maramataka practitioner, and PhD candidate whose teaching and research sit at the intersection of kaupapa Maaori, design, wellbeing, Indigenous knowledge systems, and community-led innovation.

Ayla completed a Bachelor of Maaori Development through Te Ara Poutama and a Bachelor of Communication Studies (Honours) through Te Ara Auaha Creative Arts and Industries at the Auckland University of Technology. Her honours research explored rangatahi use of social media for cultural expression through kaupapa Maaori methodology.

Her current research explores the application of Maramataka within design, wellbeing, and mana wahine, examining how Indigenous knowledge systems can inform contemporary design practice, education, and community wellbeing. She is particularly interested in kaupapa Maaori design methodologies, relational design practice, kaitiakitanga (environmental stewardship), and community-led innovation.

Alongside her research, Ayla contributes to a number of collaborative research and design initiatives, including the Ao Maarama Maramataka App, Te Whakaoranga o Te Puhinui, and projects that integrate maatauranga Maaori into urban design, environmental restoration, and public wellbeing. Her work is characterised by strong partnerships with iwi, hapuu, community organisations, government agencies, and interdisciplinary research teams.

Ayla's teaching integrates kaupapa Maaori, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Maramataka, and relational learning into design education. She is committed to creating culturally responsive learning environments that encourage tauira to critically engage with design, identity, ethics, and community while supporting the next generation of purpose-led designers and researchers.