Latest news with #whenuaMāori
Scoop
a day ago
- Business
- Scoop
Westpac NZ And Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau Support Rotorua Whānau Into Homes
Press Release – Owhata Kohanga Rakau The first stage of the development opened in December last year, when 16 whnau moved into affordable rental properties. Last month local kaumtua moved into 20 affordable rental properties that were set aside specifically for them in the heart … Westpac NZ and Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau Housing are celebrating a partnership which will see the delivery of a major new housing development on Māori land in Rotorua, with the latest milestone the unveiling of a new monument sign for the community's entrance. The Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau development will deliver 93 mixed tenure homes to local Rotorua whānau through social housing, affordable rentals and shared home ownership arrangements (also known as progressive home ownership). Westpac has provided funding for the project – where 36 affordable rental homes have been completed and a further 30 homes are under construction. Westpac is also providing mortgages to help whānau purchase properties through Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau's shared ownership pathway on leased land. Jason Rogers, Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau Chairman, says the entrance sign's unveiling is a significant event for the iwi with whānau and kaumātua now living in the affordable homes. 'Ultimately this community will comprise 93 new, well designed warm homes on whenua Māori. Our goal has been to bring stability in housing outcomes for our people and the sign is a milestone that will strengthen that sense of connection to the whenua. This is a significant undertaking and the project will deliver much needed housing for our people and the community,' Mr Rogers says. 'Having Westpac on board as a bank partner has meant we've been able to work quickly to begin delivering the next stage of homes and we're grateful for their support. We'd also like to acknowledge the support of the Ministry for Housing and Urban Development and Armillary Private Capital, who acted as financial advisors and undertook the financial modelling for the project.' Reuben Tucker, Westpac NZ General Manager Institutional & Business Banking, says Westpac is pleased to be able to play a role in the development. 'As a bank, we're committed to supporting more New Zealanders to find a place to call home,' Mr Tucker says. 'The range of different housing options available through the Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau development is hugely significant, especially since it is on whenua Māori. We're excited to support the aspirations of everyone involved.' The first stage of the development opened in December last year, when 16 whānau moved into affordable rental properties. Last month local kaumātua moved into 20 affordable rental properties that were set aside specifically for them in the heart of the new community. The full development is scheduled for completion next year. What is shared home ownership? These are arrangements such as shared equity, leasehold or rent to buy in which a third party – usually a Community Housing Provider, including charitable trusts and Iwi Māori groups – contributes equity or land towards a customer's first home purchase, reducing the size of the deposit they need and the size of repayments. In the case of shared equity, the model used at Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau, the customer then pays the provider back their portion of equity at a manageable rate over time until they own the home outright. A key barrier for first home buyers is saving for the traditional 20% deposit to qualify for a home loan. Shared equity and leasehold arrangements can help buyers qualify for lending with as little as 5–10% deposit and a smaller loan to service, bringing home ownership and the benefits it provides closer within reach. At Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau, a shared home ownership model is being used to support whānau with whakapapa (ancestral connection) to the Ōwhata and Rotorua area, helping them establish long-term security in a new home of their own. Westpac is able to provide standard residential home loans to customers participating in shared equity or leasehold arrangements.
Scoop
a day ago
- Business
- Scoop
Westpac NZ And Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau Support Rotorua Whānau Into Homes
Press Release – Owhata Kohanga Rakau The first stage of the development opened in December last year, when 16 whnau moved into affordable rental properties. Last month local kaumtua moved into 20 affordable rental properties that were set aside specifically for them in the heart … Westpac NZ and Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau Housing are celebrating a partnership which will see the delivery of a major new housing development on Māori land in Rotorua, with the latest milestone the unveiling of a new monument sign for the community's entrance. The Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau development will deliver 93 mixed tenure homes to local Rotorua whānau through social housing, affordable rentals and shared home ownership arrangements (also known as progressive home ownership). Westpac has provided funding for the project – where 36 affordable rental homes have been completed and a further 30 homes are under construction. Westpac is also providing mortgages to help whānau purchase properties through Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau's shared ownership pathway on leased land. Jason Rogers, Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau Chairman, says the entrance sign's unveiling is a significant event for the iwi with whānau and kaumātua now living in the affordable homes. 'Ultimately this community will comprise 93 new, well designed warm homes on whenua Māori. Our goal has been to bring stability in housing outcomes for our people and the sign is a milestone that will strengthen that sense of connection to the whenua. This is a significant undertaking and the project will deliver much needed housing for our people and the community,' Mr Rogers says. 'Having Westpac on board as a bank partner has meant we've been able to work quickly to begin delivering the next stage of homes and we're grateful for their support. We'd also like to acknowledge the support of the Ministry for Housing and Urban Development and Armillary Private Capital, who acted as financial advisors and undertook the financial modelling for the project.' Reuben Tucker, Westpac NZ General Manager Institutional & Business Banking, says Westpac is pleased to be able to play a role in the development. 'As a bank, we're committed to supporting more New Zealanders to find a place to call home,' Mr Tucker says. 'The range of different housing options available through the Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau development is hugely significant, especially since it is on whenua Māori. We're excited to support the aspirations of everyone involved.' The first stage of the development opened in December last year, when 16 whānau moved into affordable rental properties. Last month local kaumātua moved into 20 affordable rental properties that were set aside specifically for them in the heart of the new community. The full development is scheduled for completion next year. What is shared home ownership? These are arrangements such as shared equity, leasehold or rent to buy in which a third party – usually a Community Housing Provider, including charitable trusts and Iwi Māori groups – contributes equity or land towards a customer's first home purchase, reducing the size of the deposit they need and the size of repayments. In the case of shared equity, the model used at Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau, the customer then pays the provider back their portion of equity at a manageable rate over time until they own the home outright. A key barrier for first home buyers is saving for the traditional 20% deposit to qualify for a home loan. Shared equity and leasehold arrangements can help buyers qualify for lending with as little as 5–10% deposit and a smaller loan to service, bringing home ownership and the benefits it provides closer within reach. At Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau, a shared home ownership model is being used to support whānau with whakapapa (ancestral connection) to the Ōwhata and Rotorua area, helping them establish long-term security in a new home of their own. Westpac is able to provide standard residential home loans to customers participating in shared equity or leasehold arrangements.
Scoop
a day ago
- Business
- Scoop
Westpac NZ And Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau Support Rotorua Whānau Into Homes
Westpac NZ and Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau Housing are celebrating a partnership which will see the delivery of a major new housing development on Māori land in Rotorua, with the latest milestone the unveiling of a new monument sign for the community's entrance. The Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau development will deliver 93 mixed tenure homes to local Rotorua whānau through social housing, affordable rentals and shared home ownership arrangements (also known as progressive home ownership). Westpac has provided funding for the project – where 36 affordable rental homes have been completed and a further 30 homes are under construction. Westpac is also providing mortgages to help whānau purchase properties through Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau's shared ownership pathway on leased land. Jason Rogers, Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau Chairman, says the entrance sign's unveiling is a significant event for the iwi with whānau and kaumātua now living in the affordable homes. 'Ultimately this community will comprise 93 new, well designed warm homes on whenua Māori. Our goal has been to bring stability in housing outcomes for our people and the sign is a milestone that will strengthen that sense of connection to the whenua. This is a significant undertaking and the project will deliver much needed housing for our people and the community,' Mr Rogers says. 'Having Westpac on board as a bank partner has meant we've been able to work quickly to begin delivering the next stage of homes and we're grateful for their support. We'd also like to acknowledge the support of the Ministry for Housing and Urban Development and Armillary Private Capital, who acted as financial advisors and undertook the financial modelling for the project.' Reuben Tucker, Westpac NZ General Manager Institutional & Business Banking, says Westpac is pleased to be able to play a role in the development. 'As a bank, we're committed to supporting more New Zealanders to find a place to call home,' Mr Tucker says. 'The range of different housing options available through the Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau development is hugely significant, especially since it is on whenua Māori. We're excited to support the aspirations of everyone involved.' The first stage of the development opened in December last year, when 16 whānau moved into affordable rental properties. Last month local kaumātua moved into 20 affordable rental properties that were set aside specifically for them in the heart of the new community. The full development is scheduled for completion next year. What is shared home ownership? These are arrangements such as shared equity, leasehold or rent to buy in which a third party – usually a Community Housing Provider, including charitable trusts and Iwi Māori groups – contributes equity or land towards a customer's first home purchase, reducing the size of the deposit they need and the size of repayments. In the case of shared equity, the model used at Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau, the customer then pays the provider back their portion of equity at a manageable rate over time until they own the home outright. A key barrier for first home buyers is saving for the traditional 20% deposit to qualify for a home loan. Shared equity and leasehold arrangements can help buyers qualify for lending with as little as 5–10% deposit and a smaller loan to service, bringing home ownership and the benefits it provides closer within reach. At Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau, a shared home ownership model is being used to support whānau with whakapapa (ancestral connection) to the Ōwhata and Rotorua area, helping them establish long-term security in a new home of their own. Westpac is able to provide standard residential home loans to customers participating in shared equity or leasehold arrangements.
NZ Herald
16-05-2025
- Climate
- NZ Herald
Crown announces multimillion-dollar support for five relocated marae in Tairāwhiti
Luxon said it was 'a special and emotional day' hearing the accounts of marae being rebuilt where there had been 'utter devastation, grief and a sense of huge loss'. 'The community and iwi have come together to make a real difficult decision to make a change that will last for years and decades, and will set up future generations,' Luxon said. Gisborne District designated the five marae as Category 3 – high risk. 'Not safe to occupy because of unacceptable risk to life from future extreme weather,' Mitchell said. 'Each of the marae have accepted the Crown's support package and have acquired new sites to relocate to. 'The new sites are in close proximity within, or close to, their respective tribal boundaries. 'The impact of the severe weather on the marae was devastating for the many whānau and hapū connected to these marae and their wider community.' Mitchell said the decision to relocate was not an easy one. 'It has come from the desire of the marae trustees to keep their marae and their respective whānau safe and secure, protecting the lives of those who might otherwise be at real risk from any future severe weather events.' Potaka said relocating the individual marae would take time. 'We expect the relocation works, including the rebuild of wharenui and whare kai where required due to the damage, will take place over the next two or so years.' For some of the marae, the project would be a complete rebuild. 'Reaching this point is a significant milestone,' Potaka said. 'Most importantly, it will provide affected whānau and hapū peace of mind, and will have the added benefit of creating opportunities for SMEs [small and medium-sized enterprises] and jobs. 'This augments the growing construction capability on the East Coast as a result of the mahi at Toitū Tairāwhiti and others,' Potaka said. The ministers said the Crown was also working with two Kahungunu marae in Hawke's Bay, Tangoio and Petāne, with support packages available to both marae so they can re-establish in safer locations. 'These marae were also designated by their local council as having an unacceptable risk to life.' A total of $136.215m, allocated from the 2023 and 2024 Budgets, will fund the entire Whenua Māori and Marae Relocation Programme following the North Island weather events. It includes the costs to relocate owners of 24 whenua Māori properties to safety, as well as demolition of residential structures, and covers some assistance to support affected sites of cultural significance, principally urūpa. Potaka said the Crown recognised moving a marae required careful navigation. 'This is not an easy journey and we would like to thank the marae trustees for working with us to ensure the safety of people on marae.'
Scoop
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Government Supports Tairāwhiti Marae To Relocate To Safer Ground
Press Release – New Zealand Government The Marae Trustees of Puketawai, Hinemaurea ki Mangatuna, Okuri, Takip, and Rangatira Marae supported by their whnau and hap have made the difficult decision to relocate and re-establish their respective marae in new locations. Hon Mark Mitchell Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Five Tairāwhiti marae impacted by the North Island weather events of early 2023, are moving to safer locations with support from the Crown,' said Mark Mitchell, Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery and Tama Potaka, Minister for Māori Development. 'The Marae Trustees of Puketawai, Hinemaurea ki Mangatuna, Okuri, Takipū, and Rangatira Marae – supported by their whānau and hapū – have made the difficult decision to relocate and re-establish their respective marae in new locations. 'The local council designated these marae, as Category 3 – High Risk, and not safe to occupy because of unacceptable risk to life from future extreme weather. 'Each of the marae have accepted the Crown's support package and have acquired new sites to relocate to. The new sites are in close proximity within, or close to, their respective tribal boundaries,' says Mark Mitchell. 'The impact of the severe weather on the marae was devastating for the many whānau and hapū connected to these marae and their wider community. 'The decision to relocate is not an easy one and has come from the desire of the Marae Trustees to keep their marae, and their respective whānau, safe and secure, protecting the lives of those who might otherwise be at real risk from any future severe weather events.' Minister for Māori Development, Tama Potaka says relocating the individual marae will take time. 'We expect the relocation works, including the rebuild of wharenui and whare kai where required due to the damage, will take place over the next two or so years. For some of the marae, the project is a complete rebuild. 'Reaching this point is a significant milestone. Most importantly, it will provide affected whanau and hapu peace of mind, and will have the added benefit of creating opportunities for SMEs and jobs. This augments the growing construction capability on the East Coast as a result of the mahi at Toitū Tairāwhiti and others,' says Mr Potaka. Of the five marae three are located in the Uawa – Tolaga Bay area and the other two are in Te Karaka. 'The Crown is also working with two Kahungunu Marae, Tangoio and Petāne in Hawke's Bay with support packages available to both marae so they too can reestablish in safer locations. These marae were also designated, by their local council, as having an unacceptable risk to life.' A total of $136.215m, allocated from Budgets 23 and 24 will fund the entire Whenua Māori and Marae relocation Programme after North Island weather events. It includes the costs to relocate owners of 24 whenua Māori properties to safety as well as demolition of residential structures and covers some assistance to support affected sites of cultural significance, principally urūpa. 'The Crown recognises moving a marae requires careful navigation. This is not an easy journey, and we would like to thank the Marae Trustees for working with us to ensure the safety of people on marae,' Mr Potaka says. Notes: In all cases ownership of the whenua remains with the existing owners. The cost for each Marae relocation is commercially sensitive due to procurement undertakings. Geographic location of all Category 3 Marae in Tairāwhiti:
