Whānau and Housing : Navigating Today’s Challanges, Building Tomorrow’s Solutions
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The housing challenges in Aotearoa for Māori are not new. Decades of systemic issues surrounding housing quantity, quality, and affordability have taken a heavy toll, particularly in regions like Te Tairāwhiti. Recent crises, including Cyclone Gabrielle and the COVID-19 pandemic, have only deepened the impact, highlighting the urgency for solutions.
In Te Tairāwhiti, the numbers are staggering. Severe housing deprivation affects entire communities, and the demand for safe, secure homes far exceeds the available supply. Yet amidst these challenges, a story of resilience and hope is emerging—one that shows how collective action can begin to turn the tide.
Te Tairawhiti has one of the highest proportions of people experiencing severe housing deprivation in Aotearoa (Census, 2023). The numbers tell a sobering story:
Amid these challenges, Te Runanganui o Ngāti Porou in partnership with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, have launched the Te Mano o Hamo project, an affordable rental housing development in Kai Iti, Gisborne. While it may not solve the entire housing crisis, this initiative represents a vital step forward—one that prioritises whānau well-being and sets a powerful example for what can be achieved.
Te Mano o Hamo will provide 48 new homes built to the highest standards of warmth, safety, and communal living. The development includes:
These homes aim to reduce housing costs, alleviate the burden on whānau, and provide a secure foundation for future generations. Affordable rentals are more than just homes; they create stability, enabling whānau to invest their resources towards home ownership.
While the scale of the housing crisis in Te Tairāwhiti is daunting, projects like Te Mano o Hamo demonstrate that solutions are possible. They show that when resources are prioritised, and whānau work together, even the most entrenched challenges can begin to be addressed.
The housing crisis is far from over, but Te Mano o Hamo is a significant first step. It provides a model for future developments, proving that progress can be made when communities lead the charge. The project’s success will evidence further efforts to close the housing gap, ensuring that whānau across the region have access to the safe, healthy, and affordable homes they deserve.
As more projects break ground in Te Tairāwhiti, the region can begin to envision a future where housing deprivation is no longer the norm. The journey will not be easy, but the foundation is being laid—one home, one whānau, and one community at a time. Te Mano o Hamo stands as a reminder that even in the face of immense challenges, hope, action, and collaboration can pave the way for whānau aspirations.
“Te Mano o Hamo is more than a housing development; it is a declaration of our commitment to whānau well-being and restoring dignity and stability for members of our community" George Reedy, CEO Te Runanganui o Ngati Porou
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