In a bid to forge new ways to coexist with natural ecosystems, this work seeks to find alternatives for shelter that will meet all the needs of the people of Te Arawa and their cultural imperatives to maintain mauri ora or holistic wellbeing. This research explores an intensive, interlinked housing alternative model for Te Tatau o Te Arawa in Rotorua.

It asks, "How might the Maramataka of Te Arawa be applied as a socio-cultural-ecological design driver for developing holistic housing that supports Mauri Ora [wellbeing]?"

This work presents a challenge to the endless proliferation of suburbia with little or no consideration extended to the knowledge held by indigenous people who have an intimate understanding of the environment. The shortage of housing and the search for alternatives has prompted the focus on indigenous theoretical and methodological approaches for designing dwellings for all who inhabit the planet, human and nonhuman alike.

The research and the resulting proposal posits the value embedded in two world views: the environmental pattern language of the Maramataka of Te Arawa and biophilic design. It utilises a Mauri Ora holistic wellbeing compass to bridge the gap.

This exegesis is a practice-based research project exploring how time exists for Māori through the Maramataka. This research speaks through the worldview of an Amhara/Ethiopian woman. It considers the significant importance of indigenous knowledge. It examines the opportunities ahead that are possible through honouring the indigenous knowledge and those that protect and pass it down to generations.

By proposing an interpretation of this knowledge and reclaiming space for living in alignment and harmony with nature, this research reflects on reconnecting the people with their heritage. It suggests a sustainable means of inhabiting the land guided by an indigenous framework that helps to establish architectural and urban design perspectives.

Keywords: Maramataka, engawa [lanai], food forests, systems thinking, phasing, reciprocity, Architecture