Amid Aotearoa New Zealand’s housing crisis, rangatahi Māori face unique challenges in accessing not just houses but kāinga—places that nurture whānau and cultural identity. Using Kaupapa Māori research, He Tātai Whetu ki te Rangi, he Rangatahi ki te Kāinga (2020–2024) explored rangatahi realities and aspirations for kāinga in Tāmaki Mākaurau. Findings reveal that rangatahi struggle to secure appropriate housing, while navigating discrimination, intergenerational impacts of land alienation and invisibility in housing policy. These systemic barriers cascade into effects on mental health, cultural identity and whānau formation. Despite these negative impacts on rangatahi well-being, research participants envisioned transformative futures in which safe, secure and affordable housing enables them to thrive. This research challenges policymakers to move beyond treating Māori housing as a subcategory of general provision. We argue for targeted housing support and resources to improve access to long-term, secure housing for rangatahi Māori and their whānau.