There is emerging awareness among Māori that mātauranga Māori and Māori values have an important part to play in papakāinga design as well as in modern urban planning and settlement design. This research project, based on a number of hui, a Māori research collective, dialogue with policy and planning professionals, collaborative learning, case studies and a review of literature, shows that a clear and unique Māori built environment tradition exists.

The research team explored a kaupapa that is still in its infancy – the interface between mātauranga Māori and Western knowledge (in this case urban design and planning). They concluded that the merging of mātauranga Māori with European perspectives and technology are effective models for achieving sustainable outcomes.