Housing in Aotearoa: Creating Regenerative Environments to Support Māori and Their Whenua

Abstract

Centred around a co-design approach with the Hawke whānau of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, this research project explored the influence of te ao Māori on medium-density housing design. As a collective, we worked to co-develop a design response to replace the whānau’s current home on Kitemoana Street, Ōrākei, with one that meets their needs - housing for whānau and renters, space to support the Hawkes work with Oranga Tamariki, and communal amenities - creating a space embedded in te ao Māori. Exploration of te ao Māori concepts, housing in Aotearoa and its socio-ecological impact, and design precedents were utilised to influence the architectural outcome of the complex. The project provides a solution that accommodates Ngāti Whātua values and responds to Aotearoa’s current climate and housing crises.