Mia Staples

A visual exploration of how communication design can connect people, whenua and native wildlife through planting, cultural knowledge and community-led conservation.

He Kākano is a communication design project exploring how visual communication can encourage people to move beyond learning about habitat loss and actively participate in protecting native birds and their environments in Aotearoa. Informed by research into native biodiversity, habitat restoration and mātauranga Māori, the project draws on kaitiakitanga to consider how people can develop a stronger relationship with the whenua (land). Through an imagined native bird sanctuary and seed library, the project brings together a visual identity, seed packaging, maramataka planting guides, educational materials and community activities. These outcomes aim to make environmental information accessible, engaging and practical, encouraging people to grow native plants and support healthier habitats. Using a hand-drawn visual style inspired by Aotearoa’s native birds and plants, He Kākano positions communication design as a way to connect people with their environment and turn awareness into meaningful action.