The Te Ara Mua – Future Streets project demonstrated that co-design has critical potential in the reclamation of indigenous autonomy, increases local-indigenous presence and revitalises cultural identity. This study used a Kaupapa Māori research approach to focus on the workings and perspectives of mana whenua and community stakeholder engagement in Te Ara Mua. An indigenous theoretical framework, Te Pae Mahutonga, was utilised in the data analysis to explore perspectives of indigenous collective agency, empowerment, and wellbeing. The findings of this study have broader implications for indigenous sovereignty, spatial justice, and health equity.
