Blending tradition with modern living, this Rāpaki home is a future-focused foundation for the Korako whānau.
Overlooking the ever-changing blues of Whakaraupō/Lyttelton Harbour, Nuk and Christine Korako’s papakāinga stands as a modern expression of a time-honoured Māori tradition. Nestled in Rāpaki, it reflects the enduring understanding of home — one that is inseparable from family, land and ancestry. Designed with their four adult sons and their respective families in mind, the development embraces intergenerational living while honouring the ancestral practices of connection and collective care — a customary way of life brought forward into the 21st century.
For Nuk and Christine, downsizing wasn’t about letting go; it was about making space for something bigger. “We don’t like selling land,” says Nuk. “If we can pass it on to extended whānau, that’s all good. That’s exactly what we did.” Their papakāinga development embodies this philosophy, creating a space where multiple generations can live together, share resources and remain connected to home.
The project took shape alongside Perry Royal, a second-generation Māori architect whose father was the first registered Māori architect in Aotearoa. Using modular design and innovative PIR panel systems that are swiftly assembled on site, they have created homes that are warm, energy-efficient and adaptable.
Functionality meets form in every detail. The homes sit lightly on the land. Their low profile ensures uninterrupted views of the maunga, moana and marae. “Aesthetically, it needed to assimilate,” says Nuk. “It had to feel like it belonged here.” Inside, cultural narratives are woven into the design, from kōwhaiwhai patterns designed by their son James, to communal areas where stories are shared over kai.
Architect Perry Royal devised a system that allows for adaptability in the design so each dwelling has its own character and individual features.
This papakāinga is shifting perceptions. Often misunderstood as makeshift or temporary, the Korako Whānau Papakāinga challenges stereotypes, showing how thoughtful design can elevate and expand this housing model. Public events such as Open Christchurch offer opportunities for people to see how a contemporary papakāinga functions and help pave the way for more communities to embrace and support this way of living.
Sustainability is embedded in every decision. “We designed a swale system to slow water runoff and stop silt from flowing into the harbour,” Nuk explains. Solar panels generate power, while a grey-water recycling system reduces waste. “It’s all about looking after what we have for the next generation.”
With councils and policymakers often reluctant to enable papakāinga development, the Korako Whānau Papakāinga provides a compelling example of how well-planned, community-focused housing can thrive in Aotearoa.
Beyond the physical structures, the spirit of this place thrives in its people. Outdoor spaces invite connection, whether it’s a long lunch around the communal table or the hum of whānau gathering under the shade of a gazebo. The development is intentionally evolving, with an art studio and more plantings on the horizon. “It has grown with us, just as much as we’ve grown with it,” says Christine.
At its heart, Nuk and Christine’s vision is about more than living — it’s about belonging. It shows us how housing can foster connection to whānau, whenua and whakapapa. It’s a lasting reminder that when we care for each other and the land, we build not just homes but legacies.
Visit the Korako Whānau Papakāinga during Open Christchurch 2025, 2-4 May, openchch.nz
Words Alice Lines
Photography Liv van Leeuwen