Afoa, E. & Brockbank, T.
Culture Planning & Design
Building Better Homes, Towns and Cities, ,
2019
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This report addresses the integration of Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) with Te Ao Māori (the Māori worldview).
The study highlights a gap in current urban water cycle management practices, particularly their capacity to incorporate Māori values and meet future urban liveability requirements. Through a literature review and the authors’ experiences, the report aims to enhance understanding of Te Ao Māori to facilitate the integration of Māori worldviews and mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) in WSUD practices. It explores WSUD’s current provision for Māori values in water use and identifies opportunities for better incorporation of Te Ao Māori into WSUD implementation. The report serves as a preliminary step towards comprehending WSUD through a Māori lens, advocating for inclusive design practices that cater to diverse socio-cultural needs for creating healthy and resilient communities. While not exhaustive, this study aims to build capacity among WSUD practitioners, suggesting future expansion to include a wider array of literature and oral narratives. The authors note the study’s conclusions are based on their interpretations and acknowledge regional variations in Te Ao Māori, without claiming to represent all Māori perspectives.
