October 05, 2015
TPK Maori housing service launched
The Ministry for Maori Development is back in the housing business.
Minister Te Ururoa Flavell formally launched the Maori Housing Network at the opening of a three-house whanau papakainga development in Ngaruawahia on Saturday.
A dedicated housing service was one of the casualties of the closure of the Department of Maori Affairs 25 years ago, but this year’s budget for Te Puni Kokiri included just over $7 million for Maori housing.
The new network will also take responsibility for another $7 million that had been administered by the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment.
Mr Flavell says it will support Maori-led housing initiatives and develop greater Maori capability in the sector.
Te Puni Kokiri will let whanau know what funding is available and offer expert advice, information and support to help improve their housing situation.
The network was established in response to the Auditor General’s call for a single co-ordinated point of contact to better support tangata whenua to build on Maori land.
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