Desna Whaanga-Schollum is a New Zealand artist.
Whaanga-Schollum was raised in MÃÂhia and Wairoa, on the East Coast of New Zealand. Her mother is writer, illustrator and historian Mere Whaanga. Whaanga-Schollum is affiliated with NgÃÂti Rongomaiwahine, NgÃÂti Kahungunu and NgÃÂti PÃÂhauwera.
Whaanga-Schollum completed a Master of Science Communication in 2018 at Otago University. Her thesis is titled Taipà Ârutu, Taonga Tuku Iho. Articulating a MÃÂtauranga MÃÂori 'Sense of Place'. This work explores the philosophical and community values of mÃÂtauranga MÃÂori, and considers how the science communication in this area might be improved within the context of resource management development processes. As part of her research, Whaanga-Schollum conducted a case study of Taipà Ârutu, her whÃÂnau farm on the East Coast of New Zealand.
Whaanga-Schollum is founding member and Chair of NgÃÂ Aho (MÃÂori Design Professionals Inc), which was founded to respond to the Urban Design Protocol released by the Ministry for the Environment in 2005. NgÃÂ Aho aims to champion MÃÂori design practitioners, and engages in advocacy and education work.
A memorandum of understanding between NgÃÂ Aho and the New Zealand Institute of Architects was signed in 2015. This kawenata is a values-based agreement, and is based around five articles in the spirit of partnership under the mana of the Treaty of Waitangi.
Whaanga-Schollum has exhibited her artworks in both solo and group shows around New Zealand. She has a background in a wide range of mediums, and all her work is based in kaupapa MÃÂori frameworks. She is one of the organisers of the annual Gifted Sands art exhibition in Mahia.
Whaanga-Schollum is Chair of the board for Artspace Aotearoa. She has written for a range of publications and presented at conferences and wÃÂnanga both in New Zealand and internationally. She was on the panel of judges for The Morgan Foundation's Make Me A Flag competition.