AUT Researcher Dr Jack Barrett Advocates for Community-Led Māori Housing Solutions

Auckland University of Technology (AUT) researcher Dr Jack Barrett is advocating for a shift in how Aotearoa addresses its housing challenges, focusing on innovative, community-led solutions that prioritise whānau wellbeing and cultural connection. As reported by Waatea News on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, Dr Barrett’s research explores how Māori-led approaches can reshape the country’s housing landscape beyond traditional market models. Dr Barrett, who traces his whakapapa to Ngāpuhi nui tonu through his father—with affiliations to Te Uriroroi, Te Parawhau, and Te Mahurehure ki Whatitiri—brings a perspective that integrates identity, whenua, and community. His work suggests that for Māori, housing is not merely a matter of property, but involves intergenerational health and the ability to maintain vital links to ancestral land. A key focus of the research involves the potential of papakāinga development. These models allow whānau to live near their ancestral whenua, though Dr Barrett acknowledges that such projects often face significant hurdles, including navigating finance, infrastructure, and complex planning regulations. By placing community participation at the centre of the discussion, his research questions whether current public policies are flexible enough to support local aspirations. Ultimately, Dr Barrett argues that housing should be viewed through the lens of long-term stability rather than just affordability. A secure home serves as the foundation for education and employment, and his research encourages policymakers to consider how communities can take a leading role in creating their own solutions. As the national conversation around housing continues, the emphasis remains on building homes that strengthen community ties and deliver lasting social outcomes for all whānau across Aotearoa.