Jasmax and Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei worked closely with kaumātua to inform the design of five duplex blocks providing ten new whare for iwi elders, which extends Atareta Street into a thriving Kāinga Kaumātua. Kōrero with kaumātua provided deep insight into the unique needs and priorities of this generation, which helped shape the layout, finishes and amenities within each whare.

Kaumātua are an integral part of the fabric of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and it was important for them to have warm, dry, low maintenance whare to live in with easy access to Ōrākei Marae, and that the identity and values of the community were integrated and cohesive with the marae, celebrating the iwi’s connection to the whenua.

Jasmax’s design concepts, which captured the whakaaro of kaumātua, were used to obtain resource consent for the development, which was subsequently constructed by GJ Gardner. Each whare reflects iwi values alongside individual needs and encourages wellbeing through maintaining close community relationships and connection to the natural environment.

With panoramic views overlooking Waitematā harbour, the whare have also been designed with the ability to accommodate mokopuna, whānau members, and overnight support, when needed. The care shown to hearing the voices of future residents on this project sets a precedent for the design of future kaumātua housing developments and a model for highly inclusive co-design processes.