A Fast Track to More Affordable Housing

Ngā Potiki a Tamapahore iwi will accelerate their Affordable Housing programme as a result of their recently signed Treaty Settlement.

Ngā Potiki a Tamapahore Trust Deputy Chair Victoria Kingi says the settlement gave back 50 acres of a 100 acre block called Te Houhou Block situated in Pāpāmoa.

“It is an ancient Pā that was part of an important Ngā Potiki land block and was one of the largest land banked blocks in the Tauranga region,” she says.
The other 50 acres was allocated to the Waitaha nui a Hei iwi in their deed of settlement with the Crown.

“We understand the importance of working together and we are delighted that Ngā Potiki, Waitaha, local and central government and the local community are excited by the idea of developing a residential community that is affordable diverse and inclusive. We are looking at affordable and commercial housing options to benefit our respective iwi and the public at large.”

“We want to see a vibrant and diverse community where all people are welcome.”

Victoria says there will also be trade-training opportunities for their youth and employment opportunities for their people as a result of relationships with the local Polytechnic and a Private Training Provider.

“But the bigger picture is that the settlement accelerated our strategic housing programme that we had already in place – we haven’t just sat around waiting for the Settlement, we know we have to work hard to grow what we've received through settlement and provide real benefit to Ngā Potiki and housing is just one way to do that,” Victoria says.

In the last three years Ngā Potiki have built 22 whānau homes in their rohe [region] and in 2014 they will start two new projects to build a further 26 homes for whānau in need of affordable housing.

ends

© Scoop Media