Nanaia Mahuta congratulates Hawaikirangi whānau on commitment to housing initiatives

Te Puni Kōkiri has invested $995,000 and the Rapihana Hawaikirangi Ahu Whenua Trust has contributed $312,836 for the project which will allow for five new homes to be situated on the trust’s ancestral land in Waiohiki, south of Napier.

Māori Development Minister Hon Nanaia Mahuta today congratulated the Rapihana Hawaikirangi Ahu Whenua Trust on the official opening of its new papakāinga development.

Te Puni Kōkiri has invested $995,000 and the Rapihana Hawaikirangi Ahu Whenua Trust has contributed $312,836 for the project which will allow for five new homes to be situated on the trust's ancestral land in Waiohiki, south of Napier.

"Three affordable rental properties have been constructed and tenanted to local whānau who moved into their new homes last December and two individually owned homes are yet to be built.

"I am pleased to see whānau are settling into their new homes and are taking the steps to truly make full use of their whenua.

"Papakāinga provides opportunities for whānau to live as a community according to kaupapa Māori, often with multiple generations, ensuring knowledge and whakapapa are passed on to the next generation," said Hon Nanaia Mahuta.

Minister Mahuta congratulated the Hawaikirangi whānau on their commitment to housing initiatives that will ensure they are a proud, vibrant and prosperous community.

"The vision of the trust is that papakāinga will provide a culturally embracing environment that promotes, facilitates and enhances whānau and hapū practices and values.

"A strong and thriving cultural identity will provide a strong sense of ownership and self-determination, as well as increasing the aspirations of the community," Nanaia Mahuta said.

(With Inputs from New Zealand Government Press Release)