This presentation explores innovative housing solutions and aspirations for Māori, centering whānau, whenua, and tikanga in reimagining home. It highlights some emerging models, initiatives, and ideas that challenge conventional housing systems, fostering self-determination and sustainability. By showcasing kaupapa Māori-led solutions, the session aims to inspire new pathways for housing that reflect Māori values, support intergenerational wellbeing, and uphold tino rangatiratanga in housing futures
Rueben is passionate about whānau and mana motuhake, he is a Māori rights activist and a papakāinga cultivator. Rueben, and his whānau, partook in a Whare uku papakāinga build on their whenua which was kaupapa driven, utilising tikanga to bring it to fruition. ‘Occupation of whenua is all about kaitiakitanga: noho whenua is key. If you lose your connection with the whenua, your kids also lose their connection.
Miriana belongs to the iwi of Ngāti Rārua (Motueka), Ngāi Te Rangi and Ngāti Ranginui (Tauranga Moana). She has four children and was awarded the 2016 Aotearoa NZ Māori Woman Business Leader award in recognition of outstanding success and excellence in business.
Miriana is a trustee of Te Āwhina Marae and the Chair of the Marae Redevelopment Team. Te Āwhina is the home and place for the hapū and whānau of Ngāti Rārua and Te Ātiawa ki Motueka. The papakāinga development is an intergenerational opportunity to provide housing and a community that reconnects whānau to their whenua, to each other, to their Marae and the wider community of Motueka.
