All in together: why we need houses designed for multi-generational living

When we talk about housing, we often focus on numbers: house prices, rent costs, property values. But we rarely discuss what kind of life our homes are meant to hold. In Aotearoa New Zealand, the dream of owning a standalone house remains strong, but it is not a reality for everyone. For Māori and Pacific communities, multi-generational living is a cultural norm where a home is more than property—it is a place of identity and belonging. This perspective is also reflected in collective housing models that prioritize shared spaces and community living.

Recent census data shows a significant increase in multi-generational households over the past decade. In 2023, there were 127,947 extended families living together, a 27.2% rise since 2013. Similarly, the number of families with adult children living at home increased by 27.3%. Media often portrays this "boomerang generation" negatively, as a sign of economic stress. However, my research reveals that for many, this living arrangement is not a failure but a normal and beneficial choice.

Interviews with people in multi-generational households highlight numerous benefits. One participant laughed, saying they had to look up the term because it was simply their norm. Another noted that having everyone around always felt natural. They emphasized advantages like shared childcare and elder care, economic support, and the passing down of language and cultural knowledge. Phrases like "It takes a village to raise a child" were common, reflecting the communal care these arrangements foster.

With an aging population and strained care systems, multi-generational living offers a practical solution. It distributes care responsibilities across family members, benefiting both children and the elderly. Additionally, it helps preserve cultural heritage and language. As New Zealand's housing crisis deepens, such alternative living models are gaining attention for their sustainability and cultural relevance.

In conclusion, multi-generational housing is not just a response to the housing crisis but a culturally grounded, future-oriented way of living. Policymakers and urban planners should support these models to create more inclusive and resilient communities. It is time to think about our homes not just in terms of numbers, but in terms of the lives they are designed to hold.