Holistic vision for housing
We believe the foundation of a house should extend far beyond bricks and mortar — it should be rooted in values that honour the land, nurture people, and safeguard future generations. By embracing a te ao Māori approach to building, we want to reimagine the way homes are created, taking a long-term view that prioritises the health of our people and Papatūānuku.
Te ao Māori is a worldview that emphasises the interconnectedness of all living things, acknowledging the deep relationships between people and the environment. This holistic perspective is grounded in tikanga and mātauranga, offering insights into how we can harmonise modern housing with the natural world.
For too long, housing in Aotearoa has been driven by short-term thinking, leading to cold, damp homes that compromise the wellbeing of our whānau and impose significant long-term costs in the form of medical bills and excessive energy consumption. At Toa Homes, we’re challenging this paradigm by designing homes that are not only healthy, dry and warm but also sustainable and in balance with nature.
Tikanga, or the right way of doing things, is central to our approach. It reminds us that every decision must be just, fair, and guided by principles of respect, care, and intergenerational equity.
Through kaitiakitanga, we are committed to leaving the environment in a better state than we found it. This means using natural and recycled materials, adopting energy-efficient designs, and ensuring our homes align with the rhythms of their environment.
Our homes are crafted with materials that are as close to their natural state as possible, promoting sustainability and reducing harm to Papatūānuku. By focusing on designs that respect the environment, we provide homes that foster connection — with the land, with each other, and provide a sense of belonging.
We view our role as guardians not just of the whenua but also of the health and mauri of our communities. By building healthier homes today, we can alleviate the need for costly interventions in the future, ensuring our tamariki and mokopuna inherit a legacy of wellness.
Housing should not be a temporary solution — it’s the foundation of strong, healthy communities. We aim to restore balance to the housing sector, bringing together principles of kotahitanga, manaakitanga, and oranga. We understand that a just transition to better housing requires collective effort and alignment with shared values.
By putting people and nature at the heart of what we do, we aim to reclaim and replenish the mauri of our people and environment. Together, we can create a future where homes are not just shelters but sanctuaries that nurture life, celebrate connection, and rebuild the wellbeing, prosperity and mana of the people and Pāpatuanuku.
Toa Homes is a joint venture between Ngāti Toa Rangatira and How We Live Investments. Learn more about our team and how we work.
