Now in its third year, the Whānau Conceptions of Home study continues to analyse the voices of numerous participants who have shared their stories on home and housing. Insights into the diverse experiences, needs, and aspirations from across Aotearoa reveal a range of shared themes, including those emerging from interviews with wāhine in the Hauraki region. The voices of participants from Hauraki highlighted intergenerational reflections on what home means, emphasising that it goes beyond physical shelter to encompass cultural identity, whānau, and connections to whenua.
The interviews revealed a deep desire for safe and secure homes, with wāhine reflecting on the systemic injustices they face and the importance of reconnecting with kāinga. They spoke of the significance of wairua, karakia, and reflection, which link the past to the present. Central to this was the concept of ūkaipō - our original home and source of belonging.
Wāhine emphasised the protective roles they play as mothers and caregivers, sharing how they continue to survive structural injustices for the sake of their tamariki and mokopuna. They expressed aspirations to return to a place of nurturing and security, calling for urgent changes in housing policy and practice.
This research highlights the need for meaningful reforms to ensure the dignity, security, and tino rangatiratanga of wāhine and whānau Māori in Hauraki and across Aotearoa.
