In the heart of Unitec's School of Architecture, Maia Ratana, a distinguished lecturer and Kaupapa Māori Researcher, stands as a beacon of innovation and cultural reverence. Her work in Māori housing design transcends the conventional, weaving together traditional Māori principles with modern architectural practices. This article delves into Maia's journey, illuminating her contribution to both the academic field and the community.

Space is more than the final frontier - it’s a commodity that can change a creative’s world.

Head of School for Unitec - Te Pūkenga’s Creative Industries programmes, Associate Professor Vanessa Byrnes knows full well the impact it can have.

“I’ve always thought it was a strange irony that in our profession, one of the few resources you need is space to work in - but it’s the most unaffordable thing to have in Auckland.

The three ākonga, Ibrahim Mougari, Malina Opo, and Jireh Ngauruthe, are studying towards a New Zealand Certificate in Construction Trade Skills and building their skills constructing Kainga Ora relocatable homes on site at Unitec. They took time out from their studies to help the centre.

It was greatly appreciated by the RDA volunteers, says Unitec lecturer Angus Robertson, who were impressed by the attitude, commitment  and skills shown by theākonga.