Indigenous Representation in New Patterns of Urban Development: A Ngāi Tahu Case Study

Abstract

Urban environments in New Zealand have commonly reflected grievances and injustices faced by Māori, especially due to a loss of kaitiakitanga (stewardship) of their land. Consequently, Māori throughout New Zealand have experienced a loss of identity and ownership within urban environments. In recent years, planners and developers have begun to recognise the indigenous heritage and character of urban spaces, and incorporate Māori urban design into New Zealand cities.

This research examines the work by the South Island iwi, Ngāi Tahu, to promote their cultural identity within the urban environment in the property development realm within the last 20 years. The present research investigated two case studies: Wigram Skies and Te Whāriki, Ngāi Tahu Property master planned residential developments located in Canterbury.

The research aims to compare and contrast the two urban developments to understand the current processes used to ensure rūnanga engagement and appropriate cultural expression through urban design. It adopts a qualitative and Kaupapa Māori research design. Methods utilised include key informant interviews, a Placecheck checklist, and site and photo journals. These approaches identified that Māori urban design principles are being incorporated into the built form through various physical outcomes and processes which reflect core Māori values. The research highlights that direct and meaningful rūnanga engagement is vital for ensuring cultural integration in urban design. The ‘manawhenua advisory boards’ which were used in both sites facilitated consultation and active participation by rūnanga. The research demonstrates that these boards are beneficial and provides the recommendation that they become standard procedure for future Ngāi Tahu Property projects. The study concludes that there is growing recognition of Ngāi Tahu identity in cities. However, there is still room for improvement despite the progress made to date.