A long history led to the recent opportunity for an iwi/development company community housing development on the historic site of Paetutu Kainga. Successful site planning balances the public realm with the private facilities for each townhouse. Textured and robust materials – timber and concrete – are used with highly controlled detailing. Cultural placemaking is a well-integrated design feature; the path through the community of two- and three- story dwellings to the river’s edge is lined with artworks that tell the story of Rona and te Mārama (the moon).