March 18, 2021
New thinking needed for Wharekauri-Rekohu housing
Five new houses will soon be sent by barge to the Chatham Islands as part of an innovative papakāinga development.
Māori Development Minister Willie Jackson says it’s part of the $9 million Te Ara Mauwhare progressive home ownership trial.
Te Puni Kōkiri is investing just under $1 million towards retained equity in the houses, and Sorted Kainga Ora is putting in $100,000 for courses to build the financial skills of whanau and prepare them for home ownership.
The bespoke rent-to-buy model recognises bank finance is not readily available on Wharekauri-Rekohu, and whānau are expected to achieve ownership within 10 to 20 years.
The homes are being built on land gifted by the Chatham Islands Enterprise Trust to Chatham Islands Housing Partnership Trust, which includes Ngāti Mutunga o Wharekauri, Hokotehi Moriori Trust and Chatham Islands Council.
Mr Jackson says it costs $100,000 more to build a house on the island than on mainland New Zealand.
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