Māori Design Transforms Housing Landscape in New Zealand

Innovative Māori building techniques are poised to reshape housing in New Zealand, as researchers explore ancient methods to address modern challenges. Professor Anthony Hōete from the University of Auckland has conducted experiments with the traditional Māori construction method known as mīmiro, revealing its resilience during simulated earthquake conditions. This technique utilizes wooden supports joined by tongue-and-groove-style connections, secured to the ground with ropes. The results indicate that structures built using this method can withstand seismic activity effectively.

Hōete’s research team, supported by the Earthquake Commission, found that while the lashings might loosen during an earthquake, they can be tightened afterward, maintaining the integrity of the structure. This promising outcome highlights the potential for Māori design principles to influence future housing solutions in New Zealand.

Cultural Resonance in Design

Savannah Brown, a Māori architectural designer and PhD researcher at the MĀPIHI, emphasizes the importance of integrating Māori design and technology into contemporary construction. Drawing inspiration from conversations with her grandmother about a dream home, Brown reflects on how traditional Māori principles such as openness and family space are crucial in creating homes that cater to wider whānau connections.

Historically, Māori homes were designed for communal living, allowing for adaptability and practicality. With access to building materials from their iwi whenua, families traditionally worked together to construct homes. However, urban migration has disrupted these practices, leading many Māori families to live in homes that do not align with their cultural values. Narrow hallways and closed layouts have replaced the open, inviting designs that once characterized Māori living spaces.

Modern Challenges and Historical Insights

The plight of Māori housing was recognized decades ago by architect Gerhard Rosenberg, who emigrated to New Zealand in the 1950s after fleeing persecution in Europe. Understanding the needs of Māori communities, he designed homes that featured open kitchens and expansive verandas, fostering communal gatherings. His designs were showcased at the 1959 Young Māori Leaders Conference and garnered interest from the Department of Māori Affairs, which built a pilot home on Panama Road in Mt Wellington.

Despite its success, the home was demolished in 2022, reflecting governmental policies that historically sought to assimilate Māori into Pākehā society rather than accommodate their unique housing needs. Professor Deidre Brown, co-founder of MĀPIHI and a leading architectural historian, notes that there was initial resistance to Rosenberg’s designs, as some Māori families preferred homes that did not visibly distinguish them from mainstream society.

Today, the influence of Rosenberg’s open-plan concepts has become the norm in suburban New Zealand. Unfortunately, many Māori families, often confined to rental properties, still find themselves living in homes designed around outdated colonial models.

At Te Mahurehure Marae in Pt Chevalier, innovative design is re-emerging with projects like Te Kāinga Atawhai, which features 14 homes built in close proximity to the marae. This development embodies a sense of community, allowing residents to support one another while embracing cultural values in a medium-density context.

Brown advocates for the incorporation of Māori practices into New Zealand’s building regulations, similar to initiatives in Hawai‘i and Canada. She envisions changes to the building code that could facilitate the construction of affordable Māori housing.

For Deidre Brown, the challenge extends beyond policy; it encompasses changing perceptions about good design. She expresses concern that popular media, such as home design programs, perpetuates the notion that well-designed housing is exclusively for the wealthy. “Good design should be accessible to everyone,” she asserts, highlighting the need for designs that truly reflect family needs and foster thriving communities.

This exploration of Māori design principles is not just an academic endeavor; it represents a pathway to addressing housing crises while honoring cultural heritage. As New Zealand grapples with its housing challenges, the integration of traditional Māori techniques could pave the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future.