MEDIA STATEMENT

Na Raihania

Maori Party candidate for Ikaroa Rawhiti

25 June 2013

Maori Party candidate wants surplus state houses sold to low income whanau

The Maori Party’s candidate for the Ikaroa Rawhiti by-election, Na Raihania, today announced that if elected he will advocate strongly for surplus state houses to be sold to low income Maori aspiring to become home owners.

“The Maori Party aspires to see more Maori owning their own homes. Allowing them to buy surplus state houses in areas of low demand would help get them onto the first rung of the home ownership ladder,” said Mr Raihania.

“If elected, I will lobby the Government to consider this as part of its long term plan to focus state housing stock in the areas of highest demand.”

Mr Raihania also commended Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia for the work she is doing as Associate Housing Minister in the Maori housing space.

“Through Putea Maori grants from the Social Housing fund, community social housing providers are receiving more than $15m over four years, which to date has helped them to build 53 affordable units and provide a further 162 beds.

“Mrs Turia also announced in Budget 2013 a further $12 million over four years for Kainga Whenua infrastructure grants aimed at helping Maori Land Trusts and other collectives develop housing on ancestral Maori land.”

Mr Raihania is attending a meeting tonight about State housing at Pulse Ministries, in the Maraenui Shopping Centre, hosted by Te Tangata Maraeanui, a community group focused on housing concerns.

This statement was authorised by Na Raihania, 4 Higbee Place, Bridge Pa, Hastings.

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