Papakainga Solutions Ltd

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and Regional

 

• Governments recent Stock Transfer announcements - Govt have announced plans to progress intention to transfer 20% of ZHNZC stock to Housing Providers to then manage as social housing (rentals).  The recent announcements have attracted a lot of attention (mostly negative).  Certainly, Iwi and Maori housing providers should be considering how the policy affects our interests and aspirations for housing.  Nga Potiki a Tamapahore Trust are a Housing Provider and keen to take up an opportunity for stock transfer.

• $24 million housing fund in Te Pou Matakana - housing funding that was secured by Rt Hon Tariana Turia prior to her retirement will be administered by the North Island Whanau Ora commissioning agency Te Pou Matrakana.  I understand that policy and prioirities are yet to be determined and will be announced in early 2015.  Expressions of Interest for projects generally have been called for and closing off 6 November.

• $2 million Maori Innovation Fund for Maori economic development initiatives is administered by MBIE and they are calling for proposals, closing 18 December.

• He Whare Ahuru He Oranga Tangata  2014 - 2025 - the National Maori Housing Strategy developed by MBIE and guided by an Advisory Group made of up Maori housing provider practicitioners was recently released in July 2014.  The strategy provides 6 clear  directions for government to improve Maori wellbeing through housing led initiatives.  To find out more highlight and press ctrl enter on this link - http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/he-whare-%C4%81huru-he-oranga-t%C4%81ngata-m%C4%81ori-housing-strategy-launched

• National Maori Housing Unit - As part of the Maori Housing Strategy a new Maori Housing Policy unit has been established in MBIE to find out more contact Mahi Paurini, Housing Policy Maori at MBIE  Mahi.Paurini@mbie.govt.nz

• National Housing Conference 2014 - An excellent conference held in Nelson this year to find out more www.communityhousing.org.nz

• National Maori Housing Conference 2014 - An excellent conference held in Whanganui this year.  Stay tuned for updates on the next one in 2016 to be held in Tauranga.

• AUSTRALIAN HOUSING AND URBAN RESERACH INSTITUTE (AHURI] CONFERENCE 2013 AHURI held their bi-annual housing conference in Adelaide this year.  We attended along with approximately 600 delegates.  A small contingent from NZ were there but most delegates were from Australia and the UK.  Some very interesting presentations on the Australian model of National Rent Assistance Scheme and insights into challenges on that front.  Also some helpful presentations on the wrap around services models that have been succesful and we got to see some innovative affordable housing projects in and around the city including Christie Walk an eco housing development in the middle of town. 

• ABORIGINAL HOUSING TRUST - MELBOURNE.  While on our travels we also met up with trustees and operationsl staff at the Aboriginal Housing Trust in Melbourne who own 70 affordable homes and manage 1500 affordable govt homes.  We discussed the transition of govt properties to housing providers to understand the challenges and also challenges with transitioning tenants from govt housing to social housing provider managed housing.  All very interesting stuff. 

• NATIONAL MAORI HOUSING ADVISORY GROUP established - Rgt Hon Minister Turia has establsihed a  national Maori Housing Advisory Group made up of Maori who are involved in housing to develop a national Maori housing strategy and provide feedback on the review of the Social Housing Unit and a review of current housing products.