In one tradition, the wharenui (meeting house) is seen as a metaphor for the world.
On the outside of the house is Te Pō, or darkness. On the inside is Te Ao Mārama – the world of light.
The best-known structure built in accordance with Māori culture is the whare whakairo (carved meeting house).
This is typically a single large room with a pitched roof extended past the front wall to form an open porch.