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Kaitaia’s He Korowai Trust has received confirmation it can go ahead with an innovating housing plan without losing its charitable status.
The trust has moved former state houses from Glen Innes to a block on the edge of the far north towN, and it intends to sell them to deserving whanau who are prepared to buy into its managed papakainga model.
The scheme was cast into doubt after court case involving a Queenstown development seemed to set a precedent that charities could not sell properties.
But manager Ricky Houghton says officials now recognise there was no personal benefit to anyone associated with He Korowai and the scheme is charitable.
He says it’s good news for the 16 adults and 43 tamariki waiting to move in, and for the continuing work of the trust.
"Charitable status means that we can apply to organisations that only fund charitable trusts. It means that we can enjoy building the model that we hope to roll out to other Maori regions specifically for Maori housing. It relies on the sponsorship and the funding. The model doesn't work any other way.
The houses are sold with no deposit, there is early childhood education and a healthcare clinic on site and the papakainga is to be drug, alcohol and violence free.
FOR THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH RICKY HOUGHTON CLICK ON THE LINK
https://secure.zeald.com/uma/play_podcast?podlink=MzQ4MjI=
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