$82m invested to help Māori housing providers build rent-capped homes
The government has announced an $82 million investment to support Māori housing providers in building 198 rent-capped homes.
Construction on these affordable rental properties is expected to begin within the next year.
The initiative marks a shift in focus from expanding the state housing agency Kāinga Ora to empowering community housing providers, 1News reported.
All homes will be affordable rentals, with rents capped at 80% of the market rate for each location.
Targeted support in high-demand areas
The funding, managed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, will support projects in regions facing high demand for affordable housing.
Eight of the 12 developments are located in priority areas such as Northland, East Coast, Hawke's Bay, Taranaki, and Bay of Plenty, including Rotorua and Waikato.
Other developments will address needs in Nelson, Ohakune, Taumarunui, and Masterton.
These areas were chosen for their significant demand for affordable rentals or their focus on transitioning whānau from emergency and transitional housing to long-term homes, 1News reported.
A lifeline for Māori whānau
Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka (pictured above) emphasised the transformative impact of these developments.
“These developments are happening against a backdrop of severe housing deprivation in the regions where they are located and where there is an acute shortage of quality and affordable rental accommodation,” Potaka said.
“Each of these homes represents a fresh start and a secure foundation for whānau and tamariki to grow, thrive, and stay connected to their whenua in a community where the need for safe, affordable homes has never been more urgent.”
Building foundations for the future
With construction set to start within 12 months, the partnership aims to deliver homes that foster stability, connection, and growth for whānau, addressing an urgent need for safe and affordable housing.
Prior to this, the New Zealand government announced a new support initiative aimed at the residential construction sector.
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