May 05, 2014
Iwi housing plans get boost
The Government is to spend a further $4 million a year over the next four years supporting the rebuild or repair of rural housing, and improving housing on the Chatham Islands.
Associate Housing Minister Tariana Turia says the money would also support the development of Maori social housing providers.
She says compared to the rest of the population, significantly more Maori are experiencing housing deprivation and are more likely to be state tenants or renters than home owners.
The new fund will allow iwi and other collectives to hold a fund for small loans or grants to home owners for repairs to substandard houses in rural areas.
Mrs Turia says many are incorporating housing into their long-term planning and the Government already has accords with at least five iwi.
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