Kāinga Ora scoops Māori Crown Relationships Award

Our entry focused on the Porirua Housing Partnership with Te Rūnanga O Toa Rangatira, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and the Ministry of Social Development.

The judging panel said that the partnership was modern and future focused, and embodied the criteria for this year’s award, run by the Public Service Commission, which focused on auahatanga (innovation), whakapūmautanga (durability) and kōwhiringa (opportunities).

Dame Karen Sewell, from the Australia and New Zealand School of Government, presented the award and said this modern future focused partnership started with kōrero, cups of tea and building trust, and is based on a shared vision of a thriving community, returning whenua to iwi and devolving management of assets to improve intergenerational wellbeing and the health of mokopuna.

Tā Matiu Rei, Chairman and former Executive Director of Te Rūnanga O Toa Rangitira, commented on the fantastic collaboration between themselves and the government agencies involved.

Daniel Soughtton, Manager Business Strategy, said this project reflects what’s possible when we engage early and meaningfully with Māori around a united set of goals for a place and its people.

“It’s fantastic to be recognised this way among all the stand-out finalists for this year's awards,” Daniel says.

“Ngā mihi maioha to everyone who supported us, and congratulations to Te Āhuru Mōwai, who are now looking after 900 homes and whanau. Ka pai to mahi whānau!”

A number of our people were involved from our Organisational Change Team, People and Homes Group, Finance and Performance and People Team.

The Porirua Housing Partnership was one of four finalists for the Māori Crown Relationships Award. More information on the awards and other winners is available at https://www.publicservice.govt.nz/our-work/awards-and-recognition/spirit-of-service-awards/(external link)

Our people and representatives from Te Āhuru Mōwai, Te Rūnanga O Toa Rangatira, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and the Ministry of Social Development.