Māori construction techniques can withstand major earthquakes and will be deployed in the rebuilding of an historic Bay of Plenty wharenui, or communal house, Toka Tū Ake EQC (Earthquake Commission) says.

A University of Auckland team used ancient Māori "mīmiro” techniques to create a full-scale timber structure and then successfully tested the prototype against earthquake requirements for modern buildings. Interlocking compression joints were used, instead of bolts, with ropes pulling the structure to the ground like a tent.

“Seismic tests have demonstrated the structure can withstand much stronger earthquakes than the one that caused critical damage to the original wharenui in the Napier earthquake in 1931,” Professor Anthony Hoete, an architect, said.

The team pulled the vertical portals sideways and tested the horizontal strength of the structure, using a winch off a jeep, while the vertical strength was tested with water weights.

EQC Chief Resilience and Research Officer Jo Horrocks says the work improves New Zealand’s resilience to natural hazards.

"Investing in Māori researchers and matauranga Maōri has been a key focus of this year’s biennial grants,” she said. “We are proud to be able to support this amazing project.”

The origins of mīmiro can be traced back to ships and a deep knowledge of building and creating strength and tension in structures. Local hapū Ngāti Ira community members assisted in the construction and testing and were involved via outreach events with local schools.

“We have recreated those techniques that have been lost and use them to give our wharenui greater seismic resilience,” Professor Hoete said.

A video can be viewed here.