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Labour MP Rino Tirikatene is suggesting tribal and urban authorities should band together to provide accommodation for young Māori studying in the cities.
The Te Tai Tonga MP says he’s concerned at reports that Māori youth from the far north feel discouraged from pursuing academic qualifications in Auckland because of fees and living costs.
He says it’s a similar story in parts of his mainly South Island electorate.
Mr Tirikatene says the cost of study has always been expensive, but in the past Māori from the country could stay in government or church-run hostels like Berkely House or Pendennis in Wellington.
He says investment in such hostels by iwi and urban authorities could allow young people to realise their dreams rather than pursuing lesser goals, and it could also create a sense of whānaungatanga.
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