The Tūwharetoa Settlement Trust has taken the lead on housing within the rohe of Ngāti Tūwharetoa and has opened its first 5 affordable rental homes in Tūrangi.

Tūwharetoa Settlement Trust chairman, Rakeipoho Taiaroa, said the Trust was proud of the efforts that its subsidiary, He Iwi Kāinga, had put into its housing strategy for the benefit of the Iwi.

“He Iwi Kāinga is our housing strategy built to help mitigate the effects of the housing crisis on Ngāti Tūwharetoa.  We know we have a long way to go but this is a great start for our Iwi.”

These affordable rental homes are the first of 14 homes to be manufactured off-site in Taupō and transported to Tūrangi by our builders Penny Homes.

One of the homes on the road to Tūrangi from Taupō

Tūwharetoa Settlement Trust General Manager, Sean te Heuheu, acknowledged the support received by Ka Uruora, via the Whai Kāinga Whai Oranga fund jointly administered by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and Te Puni Kōkiri.

“We are grateful for the support we have received which has helped to ensure that these homes remain as affordable rentals for our whānau.  These homes will allow our whānau the time to save and upskill to ensure that they are progressing on their housing journey.”

“We also acknowledge Ngāti Tūrangitukua for their support during the development of these homes on their ancestral land.”

ENDS

Media contact:

Bronson Perich, Communications Manager – 021 474 096

About Tūwharetoa Settlement Trust:

The Tūwharetoa Settlement Trust (TST/the Trust) is a Post-Settlement Governance Entity (PSGE) approved by the Iwi in June 2009.  The Trust was established and has been operating since 1 July 2009.  The Trust’s general objectives are to receive, hold, manage and administer the funds for the benefit of the Iwi and the beneficiaries.

For more information visit www.tst.maori.nz or contact the office on 0508 TUWHARETOA