Iwi sign MoU for state house buy bid

Four Tauranga Moana Iwi entities have formed a new partnership to support a proposal for the purchase and management of the Housing NZ portfolio in Tauranga.

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Ranginui, Ngai Te Rangi Settlement Trust and Te Rūnanga o Ngai Te Rangi Iwi Trust and Ngāti Pukenga Iwi ki Tauranga Trust have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support the bid made by IHC subsidiary Accessible Properties.


File photo.

In 2013 the Government introduced its Social Housing Reform Programme which looks to transfer the management of social housing to non-government organisations.

Last year it was announced Tauranga was one of two regions where the programme would be implemented.

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Ranginui chairman Tawharangi Nuku believes access to safe, healthy and affordable housing is a fundamental expectation for all within Aotearoa.

'As Treaty partners, it's important iwi are involved in decision making and in supporting processes which look to provide housing solutions to those in need in our communities.

'More than half of social housing tenants in Tauranga are Māori, and therefore it is essential iwi play a part in ensuring any bid provides the means to put in place links between these tenants and their iwi/hapu support — and to offer opportunities for future iwi investment in social housing.”

The MoU provides a comprehensive framework where all the parties will work together to achieve better social housing outcomes.

The iwi partners are looking to grow their capability and capacity in the sector, while Accessible Properties – one of three short-listed entities and the only completely New Zealand/Aotearoa owned bidder – has been very supportive of the opportunities the partnership will bring.

Ngāti Pukenga Iwi ki Tauranga Trust chairman Rehua Smallman says the four iwi are impressed by the impeccable track record of Accessible Properties.

'The group has many decades of experience in community housing across NZ. They bring strong governance, as well as being a charitable organisation that uses all available surpluses for reinvestment into additional social housing.”

Ngai Te Rangi Settlement Trust chairman Charlie Tawhiao says iwi are focused on advancing the cultural, social, economic and environmental interests and aspirations of their people.

'Providing support to our iwi members to ensure better housing outcomes is an increasingly pressing issue for all tribes.”

He says iwi have a number of concerns with the Government's Social Housing reform in Tauranga and all those involved in the MOU have a shared vision of improved outcomes for Māori and community members who are social housing tenants in Tauranga.

'The crown has advanced the programme without due regard for its Treaty partnership with the Tauranga Moana Iwi.”

Since June 1, the Ministry of Social Development has sought proposals from providers interested in delivering emergency housing contracted places across New Zealand.

The closing date is July 13, but providers with an existing emergency housing-related contract with the Government can choose to use a fast-track for emergency housing places that they already deliver. This fast-track closes on June 22.

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5 comments

Market value

Posted on 13-06-2016 12:02 | By Kenworthlogger

As long as the eventual buyer pays market rates for the houses it should be all good news. Im guessing certain groups are wanting a discount......


Let's be positive.....

Posted on 13-06-2016 12:54 | By Jimmy Ehu

Getting the 4 X "tribes" to agree on anything has long been an issue on many issues ,impeding the betterment of the city, so good luck, as long as the "field" is reasonably level.... get on with it.


Treaty Partners B/S

Posted on 13-06-2016 16:37 | By ROCCO

Well what is the real deal who is paying what to who and do Govt. contribute any taxpayer funds in the future. Who do you think will be allocated these state houses in the future.It has got the rort stench written all over it.


VERY SAD

Posted on 13-06-2016 18:50 | By Colleen Spiro

So now the government has passed it's responsibility of looking after it's most vulnerable on to Iwi, and commercial Interests....A sad day for NZ. They are called STATE Houses for a reason. VERY SAD DAY FOR NZ. We are judged on how we treat our most vulnerable. JK even said it ONCE.


So right ROCCO

Posted on 14-06-2016 08:14 | By Gigilo

Accessible is the IHC, not for profit organization who have done a wonderful job but are not for this assignment. I mean, asset rich, non tax paying, just what we need with a one off payment for value making assets. Of course the combined iwi would throw there tax payer funded compensation weight behind it. However instead of self interest for the few, the 50 percent of the state house renters who are Maori should have been well looked after by the iwi by now!


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