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Hauraki Waikato MP Nanaia Mahuta says iwi could play an essential role in Labour’s plans to boost social and affordable housing if it forms the next government.
Party leader Andrew Little was in the electorate last Friday to discuss Labour’s KiwiBuild policy and look at a state housing area in East Hamilton that has become derelict awaiting redevelopment.
National has promised 43 state houses in the city, but Ms Mahuta says there are more than 200 people on the waiting list.
She says iwi could be critical when it comes to ensuring there are enough affordable homes available.
"In order to get our families into homes the entry point has to be affordable. You've got to have a mixture of two, three and four bedroom homes and have a mix of state homes peppered with home ownership to get the community vibrancy going. So that is the kind of approach we are looking to take," Ms Mahuta says.
Maori Development Minister Te Ururoa Favell yesterday announced an extra $27 million supplement for Maori housing in the Budget over the next three and four years, including $10 million for marae revitalisation, another $8 million to the Maori Housing network and $9 million to trial of a pathways to home ownership programme.
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