Ara Hauroki

Paige Walton, Isla Turner & Jasmin Ramlov.  

Tutors: Michael Thomson.  

Ara Hauroki is a project born from paper and realized in the form of an analogue model. A Papakainga proposal for the small, rural, town of Te Teko for 100 members of the Ngāti Awa iwi. Its aim is to create a sustainable, culturally resonant living environment that “touches the earth lightly,” in line with Māori values and principles. Extensive research into the site’s cultural, environmental, and historical context informs the design.

The project emphasizes whanaungatanga (kinship), kotahitanga (unity), and manaakitanga (hospitality), offering flexible spaces in public and private areas. Constructed primarily from locally sourced timbers, the design respects traditional Māori construction techniques and the local whenua. Sustainable practices like rainwater collection are integrated. Flood risk from the nearby Rangitāiki River is mitigated through elevated spaces and other measures, maintaining the environment’s mauri (life force).

The project’s design highlights the cultural significance of kai (food) by separating living and eating spaces. A central kitchen fosters social activity and respects Māori traditions. Innovative approaches integrate land and community through kai, supporting Māori horticulture in Te Teko and enhancing economic viability and sustainability. Communal and individual horticultural activities generate income, reduce living costs, and foster community engagement.

Ara Hauroki features slatted facades and translucent panels, rising slightly above adjacent structures to serve as a landmark of whanaungatanga and whenua. The design process was conducted entirely in physical formats, allowing extensive external engagement and iterative feedback, reinforcing the authenticity of the response to the brief. The project embodies Ngāti Awa iwi values, integrating cultural heritage with modern sustainable design, respecting the past while envisioning the future.