Investment of $2.1 million into housing announced for Taumarunui and Te Kuiti

“There is strong evidence that Taumarunui has a pool of housing that does not meet reasonable standards and is cold, damp and prone to black mould infestation,” says Minister Mahuta.

Māori Development Minister Hon Nanaia Mahuta today announced an investment of up to $2.1 million into the Whānau & Community Development Investment programme for Taumarunui and Te Kuiti.

This further investment into the trust will focus on improving housing quality and addressing the need for social housing.

“There is strong evidence that Taumarunui has a pool of housing that does not meet reasonable standards and is cold, damp and prone to black mould infestation,” says Minister Mahuta.

This investment will help to repair up to 20 homes, help develop and implement a home maintenance programme and support whanau into home ownership.

Minister Mahuta congratulated the Taumarunui Community Kōkiri Trust on their continued commitment to improving housing conditions in the region.

“However this is just not about bricks and mortar as warm, safe healthy homes are a right of all whānau. It is about building futures for communities and their rangatahi.

“The Community Kōkiri Trust has been a Whānau Ora service provider since 2011 and delivers comprehensive health and social support services. They became involved in the housing repairs programme after it became apparent that whānau health issues could be blamed on the poor quality of housing they are living in.

“These initiatives will strengthen whānau and communities, not only improving housing but also providing opportunities to learn skills, offer employment opportunities, improve health and income, build financial capability, retain value within local communities, and work towards creating intergenerational wellbeing.

“Together we need to design and enable innovative approaches to accelerate whānau, hapū and iwi development.

“When whānau lead their own development aspirations, a platform is created where they can drive and lead other developments in their community.

“If we can support all whānau to thrive, this will create a step-change for New Zealand,” said Nanaia Mahuta.

(With Inputs from New Zealand Government Press Release)