Edited by Fiona Cram, Jessica Hutchings and Jo Smith. Published by Bridget Williams Books, 2022. (NZD 40) Reviewed by James Molnar

Kāinga Tahi, Kāinga Rua is a collaborative effort that brings together a range of voices and perspectives from Māori community leaders, academic researchers and government officials, offering a comprehensive view of Māori housing in New Zealand.

The book highlights the benefits of community-led housing initiatives, which prioritise community ownership and involvement in housing design and development. Such initiatives can ensure that housing is sustainable in the long term. The book also looks at the legacy of colonisation and its impact on Māori housing.

Overall, Kainga Tahi, Kainga Rua offers insights into the challenges and aspirations of Māori communities in the housing sphere. The book’s interdisciplinary approach, combining personal stories, academic research and policy analysis, offers a comprehensive understanding of Māori housing in New Zealand.

My family lived in Porirua but I knew that wasn’t where my Māori ancestry was from. It always felt like it was only one part of me, while the rest came from where our whakapapa resided in the Manawatū and Heretaunga Pōrangahau. Reading this book made me realise how disconnected I had been from my original home. A big part of knowing myself, was learning whakairo and working with extended whānau on the marae and waka. This book will appeal to people who are interested in the interplay between indigenous culture, identity and housing.

Tui Motu Magazine. Issue 282 June 2023: 31