Google the words "Māori housing" and the first site that pops up is Te Ara The Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Further down, you'll find the work of government agencies. What you won't see is the great work being undertaken across Aotearoa by whānau, hapu, iwi and Māori rōpū and the bespoke housing solutions for Mäori by Māori.
In many places, when the subject of Maori housing is raised, people automatically default to papakainga or emergency and social housing. While we celebrate and acknowledge all the amazing mahi that happens in these spaces, we need to change the narrative.
At the recent biennial National Māori Housing Conference in Rotorua, speakers from across the motu talked on a range of topics, including the whakapapa of homelessness, Maori off-site manufacturing and Māori-inspired urban design and development. While this is welcome, we need more regular exposure of these sorts of issues.
When the spotlight is on Maori housing, it often focuses on problems. As a person who lives in Rotorua, I feel it's a real pity that the great work of iwi in this town doesn't get the attention it deserves.
Denne historien er fra April 08-14 2023-utgaven av New Zealand Listener.
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Denne historien er fra April 08-14 2023-utgaven av New Zealand Listener.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Lost in the labyrinth
New Zealand was once one of the world’s most prosperous countries but it’s been mainly) down hill since the 60s. Dany. McLaucuLan identifies what’s gone wrong and the changes needed to keep us afloat.
A never-coming-of-age tale
Across 14 chapters, we chronologically follow the fortunes of George, from age 12 through to almost 40. George is an unlikeable character and we should be thankful that he is a fictional creation, because in real life no one would tolerate his deliberate and calculating cruelty.
Past glories
Debut novel takes a leaf out of the book of modern Irish writing, hurtling classical antiquity into the present.
A touch of flamboyance
Miki Magasiva fell in love with film at an early age and has finally launched a debut feature that takes a tragi-comic look at grief and families.
Pushing all the buttons
The fourth film in the hit romcom series arrives with familiar charms and fresh blokes. But it would be a good place to stop.
Gone to ground
The Te Aroha-filmed detective series that blends Irish and Māori cultures is back.
Refinding the self
Strokes and brain diseases can radically change our personalities. But with more understanding of how brains work, a leading neurologist says sometimes, our old selves can be restored.
In the cross hairs
Danish actor Claes Bang's late-career boost shows no sign of abating, as he moves from TV villain to big-screen hero.
Fabric of time
Tapa cloth samples collected from Polynesian nations on Cook's voyages have made their way into our museums and libraries.
Let's dance
Kiwi dancer, teacher and choreographer LEILA LOIS visited one of Manila's innovative dance companies as it celebrated its 10th anniversary.
