A new home ownership initiative is proving a success amongst Rotorua whānau as they achieve housing independence or enter into the final stages of owning their own homes.
Published: Thursday, 3 August 2017 | Rāpare, 03 Hereturikōkā, 2017
The Māori Housing Network of Te Puni Kōkiri has funded Whatu Kāinga, an online coaching program delivered through Indigenuity Limited.
The Whatu Kāinga programme provides real solutions for first homebuyers providing or connecting whānau to financial literacy workshops and seeking advice on home ownership.
Managing Director, Inez White, says, “There are some really cool stories out there about whānau using the advice they’ve learnt in order to get into a home.”
“We now have five whānau who have settled on the properties and have possession of their houses now. We’ve got one that is about to go unconditional, another who is building on Māori land, and another four whānau who are have been approved to find a house on the market.”
In addition to innovative partnerships such as these, the Māori Housing Network is supporting successful outcomes for whānau and families through housing repairs, infrastructure support, papakāinga, and affordable rentals.
Te Puni Kōkiri Deputy Chief Executive Regional Partnerships, Di Grennell, acknowledges the leadership and contribution of rōpū like Indigenuity Limited who help whānau Māori with their housing needs.
“We’ve seen a real drive by whānau to take ownership of housing. It is initiatives like these that are building capability in the Māori housing sector through the sharing of ideas, information and networking,” says Di.
“Granted this isn’t a solution for everyone but for some whānau and families this is a viable way for them to access assistance through Te Puni Kōkiri and work to achieve a successful outcome.”