Hawke’s Bay Māori Housing Project Aims for National Expansion

A Māori housing initiative in Hawke’s Bay is advocating for its unique model to be implemented across New Zealand. The **Puke Aute papakāinga**, located in Te Hauke and approximately 20 minutes south of Hastings, is constructed on ancestral Māori land and has gained financial support from government-backed initiatives, including **Te Puni Kōkiri**. This vibrant community features ten new homes equipped with shared gardens, livestock, and a commitment to affordable living.

The papakāinga operates on principles that go beyond traditional housing developments. Residents can rent, purchase, or opt for rent-to-buy agreements, but the land on which the homes sit remains in Māori ownership. **Zack Makaore**, a key figure behind the project, expressed satisfaction with the progress made over the **30 years** it took to bring this vision to life. He stated, “There are some wins out of this whole thing, it’s not perfect, but our whānau have been able to save some money because the rent isn’t so high.”

The model is grounded in five core principles: political engagement, environmental stewardship, economic development, social assistance, and fostering a culture of **manaakitanga**, which emphasizes hospitality and community care. Makaore also highlighted a commitment to maintaining a safe and positive environment, stating, “We’re also standing up to having no gang patches on site and no one on methamphetamine.”

Residents like **Vivienne Duxfield** have found the experience transformative. Originally disconnected from her Māori roots, Duxfield expressed a profound sense of belonging. “It’s a wonderful place, it’s a place of connection with my whakapapa – my mother lived here before me and this land belonged to our family,” she shared. Her involvement in the community has included caring for the village’s livestock, which she finds fulfilling. “I’m a total novice – oh my goodness it’s been a roller coaster, and I now have become fairly knowledgeable on the subject,” Duxfield added.

The community at Puke Aute is still evolving, but Duxfield noted a shared optimism among residents. “There is a lot of work to keep a place like this running, and it’s hard to achieve, but it’s really important, and we’re beginning to develop a way of life.”

Makaore’s vision extends beyond Puke Aute. He believes this community-oriented housing approach could benefit all New Zealanders. “Why can’t we do it for all New Zealanders – you know, little villages – thousands of villages where we all work together and everyone feels comfortable in what they do and how they do it?” he questioned.

He sees the current economic climate as an opportunity for change, urging a shift towards community-based living rather than traditional state housing. “We need papakāinga for the rest of the country, not Housing New Zealand stuff, but people thinking about living in a community where everybody is working together,” Makaore emphasized.

Makaore’s commitment to community welfare extends to his founding of the **Te Taitimu Trust** in **2007**, which was established following the tragic loss of his son to suicide 25 years ago. The trust assists numerous young people in building self-esteem through local activities and camps. The papakāinga is a continuation of this mission, focusing on mental well-being and community support.

“We’ve been able to help others through that grief. It’s about supporting people and whānau; we want to be part of that thinking around a little village,” Makaore concluded.

The Puke Aute papakāinga stands as a beacon of community resilience and innovation, with aspirations to inspire similar initiatives throughout Aotearoa.