Additional $1.2m investment announced for Raupunga community to housing initiative

This investment will be used to construct a five home papakāinga on the Lemuel Te Urupu Whānau Trust’s ancestral land along with much-needed housing repairs.

Māori Development Minister Hon Nanaia Mahuta today announced a further $1.2m investment in the small community of Raupunga, in the Hawkes Bay.

This investment will be used to construct a five home papakāinga on the Lemuel Te Urupu Whānau Trust's ancestral land along with much-needed housing repairs.

The land is substantially Māori freehold with some general title land returned to Ngāti Pāhauwera as part of a Treaty settlement.

Minister Mahuta congratulated Raupunga on making significant steps towards its vision of being a confident, vibrant and prosperous community.

"It is clear to me the Raupunga whānau are passionate about their community and what the future will look like for their tamariki.

"This housing initiative will not only see this small but dynamic Māori community grow but also provide the platform for the community to ensure the ongoing wellbeing of all whānau.

"Māori housing creates a springboard for a thriving whānau who can explore other development opportunities whether they be personal, business, or cultural," said Nanaia Mahuta.

(With Inputs from New Zealand Government Press Release)