Porirua homes to be upgraded through housing partnership

Kāinga Ora (formerly Housing New Zealand) Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangātira (Ngāti Toa) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development have entered into a partnership for the tenancy management of around 900 state houses in Western Porirua.

The partnership will see Ngāti Toa’s community housing provider, Te Āhuru Mōwai, carry out the tenancy management, maintenance and upgrade functions of the Kāinga Ora properties in Western Porirua from 1 July 2020.

The lease transfer is for 25 years and is part of the Porirua Development and the plan to improve public housing across Porirua.

While supporting tenants to live well in their homes, the partnership is also about Te Āhuru Mōwai, improving and upgrading houses in western Porirua over time, making them warmer and drier and providing homes for people and whānau.

Ngāti Toa have been operating a charitable organization delivering community services within Porirua for 30 years.

Kāinga Ora CE Andrew McKenzie and Ngāti Toa Executive Director Tā Matiu Rei (centre) signing the housing partnership documents.

Executive Director of Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira Incorporated, Tā Matiu Rei, said that this is an exciting milestone for Ngāti Toa and provides opportunities for iwi members and generations to come.

“The establishment of Te Āhuru Mōwai and the opportunity that this partnership can provide is exciting for Ngāti Toa. It enables opportunities for our people to participate in the management, maintenance and upgrade of the properties, and provides progressive home ownership and other options to strengthen our future.

‘’There is also opportunity to participate in the wider Porirua Development which is also exciting for us. These opportunities will extend beyond the next 25 years which provides some security and diversification. That is important for Ngāti Toa as Tangata Whenua of Porirua.”

Kāinga Ora Chief Executive Andrew McKenzie said a key aspect of the partnership is the cross-agency relationships housing agencies will have with Te Āhuru Mōwai to provide the help and support for people needing public housing in Porirua.

‘’The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and the Ministry of Social Development will be working closely with Ngāti Toa as a community housing provider. MSD, through its various services is there to wrap support around the families of this community, to match people with homes, and to support Ngāti Toa’s wider aspirations for Māori housing, development and wellbeing in Porirua.’’

Housing and Urban Development Deputy Chief Executive Scott Gallacher said “Ngāti Toa and government agencies signing this agreement will increase and improve housing in the Porirua area, and lead to better communities. This partnership with Ngati Toa is a step toward stronger partnerships across the sector.”

Read more information on the Porirua development(external link)