September 03, 2019
Papakainga offers hope for young whānau
Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones says a Tauranga papakainga shows how government and Māori can work together on solving basic problems.
Associate Housing Minister Nanaia Mahuta has agreed to put $2.7 million towards the infrastructure Ranginui 12 Trust needs to put 9 homes on its land.
Mr Jones says Tauranga is one of the most expensive places in the country to buy or rent homes, and the initiative it should be a wake up call for iwi who have received settlement assets but are not looking for ways to provide the basics for their people.
"I really feel strongly that we've got to go back to the essential necessities to deal with our young whānau where they find themselves and that is without the ability to gain access to their first home and if that can be done though papakainga where you own the house, not necessarily the land, then that is a heck of a lot better off than where the current situation is for many of our young people," he says.
That's why he's critical of the Soul movement trying to stop housing around Ihumātao, many of which are earmarked for iwi members.
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