Govt Announces $36 Million Investment to Expand Affordable Māori Housing

"We have a firm focus on enabling economic growth that benefits whānau," Minister Potaka stated.

In a continued commitment to supporting Māori housing initiatives, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka has announced an additional $36 million in government funding to further expand affordable housing for whānau across Aotearoa New Zealand.

This latest investment will be directed to the national iwi collective Ka Uruora, enabling the construction of 100 new affordable rental homes in key regions, including Auckland, Marlborough/Nelson, Taranaki, Waikato, Thames, and Hawke's Bay. The initiative builds upon prior government commitments to addressing the housing needs of Māori communities and ensuring access to warm, stable, and secure housing.

"We have a firm focus on enabling economic growth that benefits whānau," Minister Potaka stated. "The Government's partnerships with Māori entities like Ka Uruora for affordable housing are a crucial tool in creating jobs while making home ownership and rental security more attainable for Māori whānau. A good home can be life-changing, providing stability in education and employment."

This announcement follows earlier housing investments, including the acceleration of $200 million in funding at the beginning of February for 400 affordable rentals and an $82 million funding package announced in November for 12 Māori housing providers to develop 198 homes in high-demand areas.

Ka Uruora, which has committed an additional $26 million towards this initiative, is a rapidly expanding collective of 20 iwi and Māori partners across Taranaki, Te Tau Ihu, Central North Island, Waikato, Hauraki, and Hawke's Bay. The organization has already delivered 65 affordable rental homes, with 107 more in the pipeline. This new investment will enable Ka Uruora to expand further and build additional homes across the country.

The funding is administered by Te Tūāpapa Kura Kāinga – Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and Te Puni Kōkiri as part of the Whai Kāinga Whai Oranga programme. This initiative extends the existing Whai Kāinga Whai Oranga prototype, which was first established in 2022 with a $57.8 million investment to develop up to 172 affordable rental homes.

"These partnerships will help support the many whānau who struggle to pay market rent," Minister Potaka emphasized. "Ensuring affordable housing solutions is key to achieving better economic, educational, and social outcomes for Māori communities."

With this additional investment, the government continues to strengthen its collaboration with iwi and Māori organizations to address housing challenges and promote long-term, sustainable solutions for Māori whānau across Aotearoa.