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ARA JOURNEYS

Gamified digital storytelling through the power of AR, VR & MR

WHO ARE WE

Kia whakatōmuri te haere whakamua.

My past is my present, is my future.

ARA Journeys is an award-winning digital technologies company based in Aotearoa (New Zealand). Our storytelling platforms combine augmented (AR), virtual (VR), mixed (MR) realities and artificial intelligence (AI) to bring history to life through gamified experiences that promote connection, education, and exploration. Our work spans five sectors:

  • Education

  • Environment

  • Health & well-being

  • Tourism

  • Information technology

We work with Indigenous peoples, community organisations, schools, and businesses around the world to help connect people to culturally significant sites and preserve Indigenous knowledge and stories for future generations.

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Augmented reality character dressed in traditional Māori clothing at Auckland City intersection.
Tuwhiri game map
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AREAS OF EXPERTISE

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Using augmented (AR) and mixed reality (MR), we bring significant cultural sites to life.

360

AR, VR & MR

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Digital illustration of young male holding fix wrapped in green seaweed and offering to the ocean

ARA provides an interactive platform for indigenous cultures and communities to tell their stories.

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STORYTELLING

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WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO

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Ko au te whenua, te whenua ko au. 

I am the land, and the land is me.

Māori have strong spiritual bonds with the land - Papatūānuku (the Earth mother) because it sustains us and forms part of our identity. Our connection to the whenua (land) is our traditional way of living a sustainable and balanced life, but for many of us, this connection has been lost.

By focusing on the interface between traditional mātauranga (knowledge) and technology, we hope to create digital experiences that enhance the relationship between people and the land. Reminding us all about the importance of whakapapa and that we are part of something bigger than ourselves.

FEATURED APPS

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ARA JOURNEYS

Join Manu on his journeys around the world learning about the Maramataka. Collect all 12 taonga (treasures) to unlock hidden features.

Download the App Store
Get it on Google Play
ARA Journeys of Manu

MARAMATAKA

ARA JOURNEYS

PUHINUI

App badge with digital picture of the moon. The moon has Maaori facial designs

Manu's journey along the Puhinui Stream in Manukau, is filled with stories about the whenua (land) and how mana whenua (indigenous people of the area) once lived.

Download on the App Store
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To keep up to date with our latest developments, follow us on Facebook.

Download on the App Store
Get it on Google Play

TUWHIRI

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TESTIMONIALS

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COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS

"Journeys of Manu is very distinct as a wayfinding tool as it moves beyond connecting from A to B and creates a real connection to place, through an interactive journey that incorporates movement, culture, environment, technology and fun through a very localised character such as Manu."

Anaru Ah Kew

Māori Systems Innovator,
Healthy Families South Auckland

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AWARDS

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Alpha Startup Rise Hong Kong
Foundation North
NZ Film Commission
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Kumara Awards Certificates 2020 ARA Journeys
C Prize Highly Commended Award from Callaghan Innovation
Unity for Humanity Award
Finalist of the NZ Hi-Tech Awards 2019
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Powered by AWS
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Made with Unity

AFFILIATIONS

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NZ Tech Member
ARA JOURNEYS
Amotai Registered
Whāriki
ARA Journeys

ARA JOURNEYS

+64 09 272 4263

+64 21 584239

Auckland, New Zealand

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