PURITIA TE AKA MATUA
Māori in the Built Environment
Purpose
With less than 4% of Māori in fields like architecture and landscape architecture, and even less who are fluent in te reo Māori, ŌRUA is driven to change this narrative by facilitating innovative outcomes and progressive change to inspire and foster Māori excellence.
With the fastest growing population and economy, the sector needs to position itself to understand and meet the needs of our Māori kaimahi and students, ensuring this remains a viable pathway into the future for Māori.
ŌRUA are proud to present these reports that centre the voices, experiences, and aspirations of Māori in architecture and landscape architecture.
TAUIRA REPORT
This report is grounded in the belief that te ao Māori is not only relevant—but essential—to the future of design in Aotearoa. The kōrero shared by tauira Māori reflect a deep commitment to cultural identity, intergenerational leadership, and the transformation of design education and practice. Their insights reveal both the richness of Māori knowledge and the systemic barriers that continue to challenge its expression.
KAIMAHI REPORT
The insights shared in this report are both powerful and sobering. They reflect the aspirations, challenges, and lived realities of Māori professionals who continue to shape the built environment with cultural depth, resilience, and vision. We acknowledge the significance of te reo Māori, tikanga, and mātauranga Māori as central to the practice and identity of Māori kaimahi, and we recognise the urgent need for workplaces to better reflect, support, and honour these foundations.
