This paper explores Māori perspectives of 'home' and its profound connection to wellbeing, set against the backdrop of Aotearoa/New Zealand's unique socio-political landscape and the global crisis of COVID-19.
The research emphasises the multidimensional and fluid nature of ‘home’ for Māori, shaped significantly by the historical colonisation process that has diluted Māori values and concepts. The COVID-19 pandemic, particularly during the lockdown phases, underscored ‘home’ as a sanctuary of health and security, contrasting with the potential dangers of the outside world. However, this Western-centric interpretation of ‘home’ as merely a physical shelter fails to encapsulate the Māori understanding, which is deeply rooted in connections to family, community, ancestral land, and spiritual elements. This study, conducted in 2020, engaged with 15 Māori participants from Rangitīkei and Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland through qualitative face-to-face interviews. The insights gathered highlight ‘home’ as a space of belonging, safety, and identity, extending beyond the confines of physical structures to encompass the relationships, memories, and spiritual bonds with the land and ancestors. The findings challenge existing housing policies and practices, advocating for a more inclusive approach that recognises the cultural, spiritual, and communal dimensions of Māori homes. The research identifies critical themes such as whānau and whanaungatanga (family and relationships), whakapapa (genealogy), whenua (land), and the spiritual significance of home. It calls for a paradigm shift in housing policy, suggesting that solutions to Māori housing and wellbeing should emerge from a Māori-led, multidisciplinary approach that respects and incorporates Māori values and concepts of home. In conclusion, the study underscores the need for a holistic understanding of ‘home’ from a Māori perspective, urging policymakers to consider the broader dimensions of wellbeing that ‘home’ represents for Māori. It signifies a step toward addressing the housing needs of Māori in a manner that is culturally informed, sustainable, and tailored to their unique worldview.