“More widely, the project means Ngāpuhi rangatahi and local tradespeople can gain apprenticeships and hands-on experience as this project rolls out. It means jobs for locals and a stronger regional workforce.
“The build will help strengthen regional supply chains by using local timber and contractors and will provide good quality, affordable homes for whānau,” Jones said.
The RIF grant follows the more than $50m Government investment into Far North housing last year.
The Bisset Rd development, which has been approved for Fast-Track consent, will provide up to 100 new affordable rentals. Rent is to be capped at 80% of market rates for at least 25 years.
The development is being undertaken by community housing provider Te Hau Ora o Ngāpuhi Limited – the health and social services delivery arm of the iwi authority Te Runanga a Iwi o Ngāpuhi.
Additional funding comes from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, which is providing a grant of $29.7m, with a $13.6m loan from Auckland-based social enterprise Community Finance.
Associate Minister for Housing Tama Potaka said: “Ngāpuhi is delivering on its plan to provide homes for its people. Together, we’re creating warm homes, local jobs, and opportunities that will last across generations”.
The Kaikohe project also forms part of a much wider Māori-led housing programme announced last year, backed by a $200 million Government investment to accelerate affordable rental homes for whānau Māori.
One year on, Potaka said hundreds of homes are now moving from planning into delivery, with 463 homes approved across 11 Māori-led housing projects. Of those, 392 are contracted for delivery, including developments in Te Tai Tōkerau.
He said all of the homes are in priority regions with high housing needs.
“Partnering with Māori housing providers is a practical way to address housing deprivation while building long-term housing capacity.
“This mahi is getting more homes built and into communities, while backing Māori organisations to lead delivery for their own whānau. These organisations understand their whenua, their people and the long-term needs of their communities.”
