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A consortium set up by Auckland mana whenua iwi has become the first group to lodge an application under Auckland's newly established Special Housing Areas rules.
A deal between the Government, which was under fire for its lack of action on housing, and the Auckland Council means the Special Housing Areas benefit from fast track consenting and approval processes.
Tamaki Makaurau Community Housing wants to build almost 300 affordable homes on surplus crown land at Weymouth.
Paul Majurey, the chair of the Tamaki Collective, says the opportunity was identified during treaty settlement negotiations.
Nga Mana Whenua o Tamaki Makaurau couldn't do the project on its own, so it teamed up with community housing providers and the Auckland and Onehunga Maori hostels trust.
"The fit was right for us insofar as the need for housing for our people, the demographics in Waimahia- Weymouth, the need is around 60 percent for Maori and Pacific Islanders, the community housing providers have been very supportive in terms of that goal of more housing for our people," Mr Majurey says.
Earthworks are underway and the first homes could be completed by the middle of next year.
Copyright © 2013, UMA Broadcasting Ltd
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