$25m allocated towards kaupapa Māori approach to addressing homelessness

8:09 pm on 2 December 2022
Marama Davidson

Associate Housing Minister Marama Davidson says the funding would contribute towards meaningful change. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

A major funding boost will go towards a kaupapa Māori approach in a bid to help the homeless into their own home.

There will be $24.7m will go towards He Ara Hiki Mauri, which will support whanau Māori who don't have a home to live in and other complex needs.

The programme will also connect with whānau who live in overcrowded or inadequate housing conditions.

A collective of seven Tangata whenua organisations will lead the programme and is supported by the national Māori housing peak body Te Matapihi.

Associate Housing Minister Marama Davidson said the funding would contribute towards meaningful change.

"The investment I am announcing today will enable Arohanui ki te Tangata to bring their mātauranga Māori, housing experience and iwi and regional connections to deliver support that will be transformational and life-changing for whānau and communities," said Marama Davidson.

The announcement comes as the MAIHI Whare Wananga took place in Tairawhiti over the last two days which is an opportunity for Government to talk with iwi and Māori to discuss how they can be better supported in housing.

Associate Housing Minister Peeni Henare said the Government's vision was for safe, healthy and affordable homes for whanau.

"The plan is to build 1000 new homes, undertake repairs and maintenance to 700 homes, and provide infrastructure support for another 2700 homes," said Henare.

He said the Government had as launched a new Māori Housing database MAIHI Ka Ora - Ka Marama.

"This new dashboard will give people access to data on a cross-section of work we are undertaking-programmes like Whai Kainga Whai Oranga and the Homelessness Action Plan.

"Being open and transparent about the progress we are making in Maori Housing helps ensure we are held accountable, but also allows us to work together better.

Henare said since the last Whare Wananga 959 homes have been approved out of 1000 to be delivered.

There were 331 out of 700 homes approved for repairs and maintenance.

Meanwhile, 1356 sites have been enabled for requiring infrastructure support out of 2700.