April 24, 2023
Container option for Māori housing niche
A marae-based housing enterprise hopes shipping container tiny homes will fill a niche for whānau.
Mereana Hona, of Irāmoko Marae near Matatā in the Bay of Plenty, says an entry level unit can be delivered for around $45,000, complete with decking, solar panels, a kitchen, shower and toilet.
At 18 square metres it doesn’t need resource consent, but there are still financing, location and and other things for whānau to deal with.
“We wanted, as our marae, Irāmoko, to apply a Māori approach, and people think “what’s that?” It’s about ensuring that the product we have, that we’re there to share it with our people and we’ll be supportive of them right through the whole process,” Ms Hona says.
A demonstration unit is on display with their building partner in Ōtahuhu, Smart Homes.