Let's keep elders within community

The Statistics New Zealand 2013 Census shows 13.8 per cent of people in the Rotorua district are aged 65 and over.

With this proportion expected to grow, what does it mean for Maori?

The New Zealand Superannuation and Government policies are aimed at keeping seniors in their own homes - an aspiration many seniors have. But such policies do not take into account the lack of affordable housing for Maori that is appropriate for their socio-cultural needs.

However, Papakainga initiatives allow iwi to use and invest their land assets back into the development of their people - a goal articulated by iwi throughout New Zealand.

This will also complement the Maori relationship with the land and the obligation of kaitiakitanga or guardianship of resources to be handed on to future generations.

So, instead of following Western thinking and sending our kaumatua to retirement villages, we should focus on making our own villages where we keep the important inter-generational connection between family and culture alive.

As Mason Durie once said: "If children are the hope for the future, then kaumatua, older people, are the foundations upon which that hope can be built."

• Tania Tapsell (Te Arawa) is the youngest Rotorua District Councillor to be elected, a Maori touch team representative and a columnist for Te Maori.