Tātau Tātau hands back last five homes

Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa has handed back the last of 24 homes repaired after they were damaged in Cyclone Gabrielle. Katarina Hook from Whakaki pictured at her place with builder Jack Prichard from Ngawari Homes.

Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa Trust has officially handed back the last five of 24 homes repaired following the devastation of Cyclone Gabrielle.

The initiative is part of a broader commitment to ensure affected homes are warm, safe, and healthy.

The Trust partnered with three Māori building companies: M K Tipoki Building, Red Antler Building, and Ngawari Homes.

The repairs were conducted ‘like for like’, meeting healthy homes standards and providing full insulation.

Subcontractors were engaged to complete essential services, including electrical work, plumbing, painting, and flooring installation.

In addition to the building efforts, Wairoa Recovery – Red Cross has provided furniture and whiteware for the homes, while Te Whare Marie o Tapuae contributed heat pumps and insulation support.

Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa chairman Leon Symes said it was encouraging to see whānau returning to their homes after 18 months of displacement.

“However, there is still much work to be done to tackle the housing crisis in Wairoa, especially with hundreds still affected by Cyclone Gabrielle and the flooding in June.”

Symes highlighted the fact over 35% of all homes in Wairoa had been damaged in both events, with 70% occupied by Māori and more than 30% being rental properties.

He called on the Government to prioritise Wairoa in its social housing initiatives, especially with the recent announcement of $140 million in new funding for 1500 social housing units in Budget 2024.

“Investment in housing not only addresses immediate shelter needs but also stimulates school attendance, economic growth, and job creation within the community.

“Our current home repairs programme exemplifies how we can provide pathways to trades for rangatahi and whānau, fostering skill development and employment opportunities.”

Symes said looking ahead, Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa would now focus on assisting whānau whose homes on the south side of the river were affected by June’s flooding.

“We remain dedicated to addressing the housing crisis and understand that meaningful change requires collaboration between Government agencies, community organisations and stakeholders.

“Together, we can pave the way for a brighter future for all residents.”