Māori Management Ontology: Organising Nature Focused Housing Enterprise with Spirit

Urban papakāinga is a modern form of housing that involves sustainable, city-based intergenerational habitation that adheres to tikanga (cultural practices) of integrating people, spirituality, and nature for Māori (Indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand). The aim of this study was to identify how urban papakāinga leaders and managers integrate spirituality and balance with nature during housing development processes as a management ontology. This aim was achieved through application of an Indigenous methodological framework during an investigation of urban papakāinga stakeholders (N=25). Thematic analysis recognised a key ontologic principle consistent with traditional tikanga which facilitates urban papakāinga enterprise: tauwhirotanga (spirit, or wairua-based, empathy infused, strategic management approach). It is comprised of three parts: empathetic concern and regard, empathetic autonomy and expression, and holism within organisation and design throughout development and post completion. Tauwhirotanga guides the process for developing Māori housing ecosystems within the constraints of mainstream ideology.