great interview... interesting to hear how Rau was frustrated with the institutions and decided to make his own space with that frustration. very inspiring.
So glad people like this exist, at least neutral if not positive for Maori and Pasifika, great line. And to address the idea of a housing crisis as one where people are regulated and constrained in building dwellings for themselves without 30 yr mortgages is a refreshing take, regulation should assist a civilization not bring it to it's knees
Owning a house, particularly a nice one that can accommodate cultural and family needs is a goal everyone strives for. That's why we get educated and work hard so we can accomplish this. What exactly is the plan that Maori/Pasifika advocates hope for the government to accomplish? In an economic recession, where is the economic sustainability in this model? Architects make amazing houses for sure, but how many have the luxury to utilize that? I don't know many except for the most successful people. Do we give out fish or teach a person to fish?
Thank you for this comment. By giving maori... a head start only makes maori weaker. You are correct, "Everyone" strives for family and community needs.
Housing/architecture should be individually influenced, leading to free market-driven development. I find the concept that you are designing housing for a group/Maori offensive. Forced design or indoctrination of culture can only survive by political interference. We have seen the same thing in religious indoctrination - churches and symbols of Christianity. Eventually, this leads to divisiveness leading to conflict in places like Ireland. Similarly, Cultural segregation between tribes will be par for the course in due time. This is not what Tino rangatiratanga encompasses, and that term, I believe, is the goal of most people, including many Maori - self-determination, autonomy/ independence. These sentiments are about the individual, not group religious/cultural brainwashing thinking.
I don't think the new housing suits most people, regardless of ethnicity. We'd all like a spare room for family to stay. We'd all like not to have toilets near the kitchen or living area. We'd all like a bit of outdoor space for family gatherings. Maori & Pacifica are not unique in these needs.
