March 02, 2018
Christchurch marae opens transitional housing
Christchurch’s Nga Hau e Wha Marae has realized a long standing dream with the opening of six houses on the marae grounds.
Manager Norm Dewes says the project is about strengthening whanau and building communities, with wraparound services offered to tenants.
The first tenants include grandparents raising their grandchildren, former women prisoners reintegrating into society, and people with disabilities.
"The principle is not to be permanent. It's to give someone an opportunity to settle down, get their head in the right space, save some money, secure permanent emplyment, and then move them on and let someone have a chance to improve their standard of living," he says.
Half the cost of the $3 million project came from Te Punk Kokiri’s Maori housing network, with the rest shared between Housing New Zealand and the Rata Foundation.
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