Through a collaborative design process, this thesis project endeavours to consider how Whānaungatanga – (a Māori core value associated with a close connection between people developed through kinship) can be used to construct a co-living medium density model of housing to improve the health and well-being of the Hawke whānau (family) of Ngāti Whātua o Ōrākei, foster a sense of community, and encourage a sustainable lifestyle for Oranga Tamariki families they look after. Thereby, effectively upholding the Whānaungatanga – kinship – of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and responding to the housing crisis. This is achieved by examining the contexts, analysing case studies, and through a collaborative co-design process with the Hawke whānau of Ngāti Whātua o Ōrākei and a team of people who are actively involved to discover unique perspectives through collaboration.