September 19, 2022
Te Arawa demand action on emergency housing crisis
Te Arawa leaders say it’s time to end the emergency housing crisis in Rotorua.
Monty Morrison says they have concerns about the safety of whānau and their tamariki staying in emergency housing and about the impact emergency housing has had on neighbouring homes and businesses.
Crime and anti-social behavior has increased and the global reputation of Te Arawa and Rotorua as a tourism destination is under threat.
He says Ngati Whakaue, which owns most of the land the facilities are situated on, is offering its expertise and knowledge of local conditions to create an iwi-led operational group which could work with government entities to make sure resources are used effectively.
Iwi also want to work with government on sustainable solutions to the issues that have caused the current crisis.