Designing with Mana: Kaupapa Māori Architecture Supporting Whānau with Mate Wareware

Auckland-based architectural designer and researcher Keisha Rawiri is leading work to transform how homes are designed for Māori living with mate wareware, or dementia. Reporting on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, Waatea News highlighted how Rawiri’s research at the University of Auckland’s Centre for Co-Created Ageing Research is focused on integrating kaupapa Māori principles into living environments to foster safety and calm. The design framework moves beyond standard accessibility by incorporating core Māori values such as wairuatanga, whanaungatanga, māramatanga, and manaakitanga. According to Rawiri, these principles help strengthen the essential relationship between people, their whare (homes), and the whenua (land). Features that prioritise connections to nature, daylight, and the changing seasons are highlighted as vital tools for helping those with mate wareware stay oriented and connected to their surroundings. Practical adjustments identified in the research could significantly improve daily life for whānau. Researchers noted that common modern features—such as patterned flooring, mirrors, and touchscreen controls—can often cause confusion. By implementing clearer colour contrasts, ensuring taps and light switches are highly visible, and removing trip hazards, homes can be made safer and more navigable for kaumātua. With approximately 83,000 New Zealanders currently living with dementia—a figure expected to double by 2050—the need for culturally responsive design is becoming urgent. The initiative aims to ensure that as the population ages, environments are built to help individuals maintain their dignity, independence, and vital connections with their whānau. Rawiri's work suggests that by rethinking architecture through a Māori lens, Aotearoa can better support those navigating the challenges of mate wareware.