Listen Now: 
January 21, 2025
Māori economist urges whānau to seize housing opportunities
Atereano Mateariki
Posted On January 21, 2025
Download AudioA Māori economist says the housing market presents opportunities, but whānau need to act quickly.
Last Friday, ASB Bank became the latest lender to cut its home loan interest rates for 6, 12, and 18-month terms.
The move followed the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s decision to reduce the official cash rate (OCR) by 50 basis points in November, making borrowing more accessible.
Economics Professor at Massey University, Matt Roskruge, says it remains increasingly challenging for Māori to afford private property despite these changes.
However, he says there are opportunities for iwi and Māori organisations to support whānau in achieving home ownership.
“Look at ways of offering loans—we don’t currently have a Māori-owned bank, but it could be worth exploring. I guess, always trying to find ways of being more productive or making better use of our whenua, Māori land that’s currently not being used at its full potential,” says Roskruge.
Financial markets predict the Reserve Bank will cut the OCR by another 50 basis points next month, reducing it from the current rate of 4.25 percent.
RELATED NEWS
