THE CONCEPT AND OPPORTUNITY Mamaki was purchased in 1986, with the idea that by combining resources, it would be possible to create a living environment more physically and socially satisfying than usually available through individual ownership.

It is intended for full time residents rather than just holiday homes.

We try to approach land management matters using the principles of organics, permaculture, and sustainability.

Currently we have planning permission to build 7 dwellings on the property, and there are 5 houses already built and established. This leaves the opportunity for 2 more houses to be built without the need for further planning consents.

Each partner chooses a house site, ( usually about 2 acres), where they can build a house and set up gardens, orchards etc, and which is pretty much their private property. If a partner wants to use any of the "common area" for individual purposes this will be arranged by negotiation. Mamaki is not a commune, and is not based on any religion . You can have as much or as little contact as you want with other partners. However Mamaki seems to appeal to people who enjoy what we call "active neighbouring"..especially as that relates to making life easier around child care, transport, property management and just having fun.