Attending the Launch of “Beyond the White Picket Fence” by Savannah Fishel
I had been in contact with Savannah Fishel before leaving Aotearoa and my timing was great for being able to attend the invite only launch of her Winston Churchill Fellowship report, Beyond the White Picket Fence: A Companion for Intergenerational Communal Housing in London.
The event brought together a diverse group of social housing providers, practitioners, researchers, advocates and policymakers, all united by a shared commitment to reimagining how we live together across generations.
Savannah’s research is both timely and deeply insightful. She explored 54 intergenerational communal housing models across the United States and Australia, seeking to understand what it truly takes to create communities where people of all ages live, support, and care for one another in everyday life.
One of the key takeaways was the importance of intentional design, not just in the physical layout of homes and shared spaces, but in fostering daily interactions that build trust and belonging. Savannah introduced the concept of “neighbourisms” those small, everyday rituals that turn cohabitation into community. Shared kitchens, gardens, and lounges weren’t just amenities; they were the heart of these communities.
Her report also highlighted the transformative power of mutual support in intergenerational settings. These communities reduce loneliness, housing insecurity, and social isolation, while also easing pressure on health and social care systems through informal care networks. Importantly, Savannah emphasised that resident-led governance was a common thread in the most successful models, giving people a sense of ownership and adaptability as their needs evolved.
What stood out to me was how clearly Savannah articulated the broader societal benefits of intergenerational housing. These models don’t just serve their residents, they act as social infrastructure, freeing up housing stock, reducing emergency service use, and improving mental health outcomes.
While the scale of the UK is much larger than New Zealand, many of the social challenges are strikingly similar, housing affordability, social isolation, ageing populations, and the need for more connected, resilient communities. In Aotearoa, housing is one of the most significant social determinants of health. For Māori, the impacts of colonisation, land alienation, and systemic inequities have made access to safe, secure, and culturally appropriate housing a persistent challenge.
In response, papakāinga models - communal housing developments on ancestral land - are being revitalised across the motu. These models are grounded in tikanga Māori and reflect a collective approach to living that prioritises intergenerational connection, cultural identity, and whānau wellbeing. Iwi and hapū are increasingly leading the way in developing housing solutions that are not only affordable and sustainable, but also deeply rooted in place and whakapapa. Their leadership is critical in reshaping the housing landscape in a way that honours te Tiriti o Waitangi and supports long-term, intergenerational resilience.
What’s particularly exciting is the potential value of Māori housing models for the wider population. The principles embedded in papakāinga, shared responsibility, interdependence, and collective care, offer a powerful alternative to the individualised, often isolating, models of housing that dominate mainstream development. These models can benefit people of all backgrounds, especially those who are not connected by blood but are seeking connection, support, and a sense of belonging. As Savannah’s findings show, intergenerational and communal living can reduce loneliness, foster mutual care, and create more resilient communities. Māori-led models already embody these outcomes and they offer a blueprint for inclusive, culturally grounded housing that could inspire broader systems change.
The event was more than a report launch - it was a call to action. It reminded me that the future of housing lies not just in buildings, but in relationships. Savannah’s work is a powerful companion for anyone committed to creating places where whānau, community, and care are woven into the fabric of everyday life. I was impressed by Savannah and am closely following her work as a global thought leader.
During some rounds of facilitated discussions in smaller groups, I met and immediately clicked with an architect called Irene Craik Director. She had been involved in a new intergenerational development called Melfield Gardens, and we quickly agreed to meet for further discussion.
It wasn’t till later in my trip when I was in Irene’s office did a connection between Irene and the Brunswick Centre become apparent. It was at this event that I also found myself in discussions about Intergenerational Fairness, a term that was fairly new to me.
Intergenerational Fairness
Around the world, intergenerational fairness is gaining recognition as a foundational principle for addressing long-term societal challenges, such as climate change, ageing populations, economic inequality, and housing insecurity. It calls for equitable distribution of resources, opportunities, and responsibilities across generations, ensuring that today’s decisions do not compromise the wellbeing of those to come.
Globally, this principle is being embedded in policy and practice through:
Inclusive Design and Planning: Creating environments and systems that serve all ages, from intergenerational housing to age-integrated public spaces.
Health and Social Care Models: Innovations like intergenerational nurseries within elder care homes foster mutual support and reduce isolation.
Climate and Economic Policy: Stress-testing decisions for long-term impact, using tools like the California 100 Toolkit and frameworks from the OECD and UN.
Advocacy and Research: Organisations such as the UK’s Intergenerational Foundation promote fairer policies in housing, pensions, and education.
At the heart of intergenerational fairness are principles of equity, long-term thinking, and shared responsibility which encourage governments, institutions, and communities to consider the legacy they leave for future generations.
Aotearoa New Zealand
In Aotearoa, intergenerational fairness is increasingly being viewed through a uniquely indigenous lens, aligning with Māori values and frameworks that prioritise collective wellbeing and relational care. The Treasury’s Living Standards Framework (LSF) and He Ara Waiora embed intergenerational wellbeing into policy, incorporating values such as manaakitanga, kaitiakitanga, and whanaungatanga.
This approach resonates deeply with Whānau Ora, a kaupapa Māori model that empowers whānau to lead their own wellbeing journeys. Intergenerational practice strengthens whānau capability by:
Passing down mātauranga (knowledge) and tikanga (customs)
Enhancing identity and connection through whakapapa
Reducing isolation and fostering active roles for kaumātua
Innovative models such as dementia villages and intergenerational learning spaces demonstrate how global concepts can be adapted locally to reflect Māori values and community-led design. These models promote:
Multi-generational living arrangements
Integrated health, education, and social services
Place-based, culturally responsive care