A community-led push to make Māngere greener is gaining momentum, with new research highlighting how te ao Māori principles are helping reshape neighbourhoods and reconnect whānau with their environment.
Sociology PhD researcher Justine Skilling is examining a Kāinga Ora-funded initiative focused on restoring green spaces and building stronger community ties. The project centres on collaboration, local knowledge, and tikanga Māori as a foundation for sustainable change.
The research was sparked by a growing interest in how Māori worldviews can guide environmental action in urban settings. Rather than top-down planning, the Māngere initiative places whānau and local groups at the centre, encouraging collective decision-making and shared responsibility for the whenua.
The project has already delivered tangible outcomes, including new planting initiatives, revitalised shared spaces, and the development of a practical guide designed to help other communities replicate the model. These changes are not only improving the physical environment but also strengthening relationships between residents.
On the ground, the impact is being seen in increased community participation and a renewed sense of pride in local spaces. Whānau are taking an active role in caring for their surroundings, while local knowledge and mātauranga Māori are being woven into everyday practices.
Beyond environmental gains, the initiative is also creating opportunities for learning and connection. Tamariki are engaging directly with the whenua, gaining hands-on experience and developing a deeper understanding of kaitiakitanga. These experiences are helping to build a stronger sense of belonging and identity within the community.
The social and cultural benefits are seen as just as important as the environmental outcomes, with greener spaces acting as hubs for connection, education, and wellbeing. The approach reflects a holistic view of community development, where people and place are closely linked.
Looking ahead, the research aims to provide a blueprint for other communities across Aotearoa. By documenting what works and why, the goal is to support wider adoption of kaupapa Māori approaches to urban sustainability.
As Māngere continues its transformation, the project is being seen as an example of how grassroots action, guided by te ao Māori, can create lasting change – not just in the landscape, but in the lives of the people who call it home.
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