O le nu’u o le ao: Polynesian domestic archetypes in Auckland

Abstract

This project starts with the assumption based on personal experience, that Pacific Islanders often think differently to Pakeha New Zealanders. This leads to the question: Why do Polynesian families not quite fit into our houses? This project considers the different attitudes of Polynesians families to domesticity and space.

Auckland is the largest Polynesian city in the world (1) with every Pacific island nation represented. Many live in social housing situations. Can their spatial assumptions, attitudes and domestic ideologies be introduced and integrated into the provision of housing? Would this improve the fit into New Zealand society? This paper isolates and compares four aspects of domesticity, Dwelling, Site, Community and Ownership. The thesis investigates one housing development in particular using the site as a foundation for a new proposal. The proposal is a design in which Polynesians are able to inhabit urban Auckland in a way, which is more suited to a Polynesian worldview. The potential benefits of this are increased home ownership a feeling of belonging to the larger society, and a more young Polynesians fulfilling their potential in New Zealand.

1. New Zealand Institute of Economic Research/ Gray Matter Research Ltd Koloto & Associates Ltd, “Pacific Housing Experiences: Developing Trends and Issues,” (Centre for Housing Research (CHRANZ) & The Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs, 2007).