Kāinga Manaaki : how can the Manaaki Tāngata Programme inspire marae based kāinga, to support vulnerable whānau in the pursuit of mana motuhake?

Abstract

This project aims to explore marae-based housing solutions in Auckland for vulnerable whānau as they seek to pursue mana motuhake. Successive Government policies, which have led to the alienation of Māori from ancestral homelands while facilitating Māori migrations to urban environments, have resulted in the loss of tribal identity and belonging. The emergence of urban marae has been at the forefront of preserving and protecting both cultural and tribal identity in response to colonization. With the increase in homelessness rates, especially among Māori, it becomes imperative that Māori housing initiatives reflect not only the cultural values and social dynamics of Māori whānau but also solutions that restore identity and belonging. Exploring design solutions to these concerns are essential to the pursuit and fulfilment of mana motuhake.

From the winter of 2016 to September 2018, Te Puea Memorial Marae in Māngere Auckland has seen the placement of 320 homeless whānau members into long-term accommodation. Responding to the rise in homelessness, Te Puea Mārae seeks to support vulnerable whānau in their path towards mana motuhake. This ‘grassroots’ initiative is titled the ‘Manaaki Tangata Programme’ based on core marae principles.

Mana motuhake means having a separate identity, self-determination, control over one’s destiny, self-government, autonomy, independence, sovereignty and authority. Vulnerable whānau are unable to ‘determine their destinies’ without the support of exterior influences. Navigating the housing continuum towards homeownership is a form of pursuing mana motuhake; however, for many Māori, this remains a dream.