This article explores the response of Hauraki Māori communities to the housing crisis in Hauraki, which was intensified by Cyclone Gabrielle. It contrasts Indigenous disaster response strategies with existing civil defence protocols in Aotearoa-New Zealand. Drawing on two studies, ‘He Whare, He Taonga’ and ‘Hauraki Māori Weathering Cyclone Gabrielle,’ the findings highlight systemic inequities, the critical role of ‘kāinga’ (home) in resilience, and the importance of integrating Māori ecological wisdom into disaster management. While kāinga serve as protective factors and cultural anchors, colonial-constructed crises in the form of systemic barriers, including institutional racism, continue to undermine Māori-led solutions and well-being. The research calls for a paradigm shift towards culturally grounded, inclusive frameworks that value Māori knowledge and prioritise equitable decision-making. These insights contribute to the growing discourse on Indigenous knowledge in environmental governance and disaster resilience, offering actionable pathways for creating stronger, more equitable communities.
