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The chief executive of a Tainui economic development agency says it’s often confidence rather than lack of cash that stops Maori owning their own homes.
Te Riu o Waikato has teamed up with Kiwibank to teach tribe members how to get a loan and buy a house.
Ricky Maipi says the aim is to pick up surplus Housing New Zealand houses in the region, which Tainui has a first right of refusal over as a result of its treaty settlement.
He says the initial intake is looking promising, as people learn what it takes to take advantage of the home ownership.
On average about 10 state houses are made surplus every month in his cluster’s coverage area from Tuakau to Te Awamutu.
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