Trust steps up on housing to help local families

Powhiri Raukawa. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

For Powhiri Raukawa, the benefits of Pukeroa Oruawhata's business success are clear - she's living in them.

The Rotorua woman and her whanau are tenants in one of the Trust's 14 houses on land near Whakarewarewa. Pukeroa Oruawhata is on track to have another three houses ready to be tenanted within the next two months, and five more will be added by early next year.

Pukeroa Oruawhata has spent $2.1m on housing in the past two years as part of its long term mandate to support its beneficial owners.

Ms Raukawa has lived at the property for about 7 years and the house, which is more than 70 years old, is undergoing a complete refurbishment.

Once finished, the house will have a new bathroom and kitchen, be repainted, recarpeted and insulated.

Ms Raukawa said she had been paying a fair rent and didn't have to worry about a landlord selling up. Another benefit is knowing the money she is paying in rent is going back to Pukeroa for the wider benefit of Ngati Whakaue, she said.

Pukeroa Oruawhata Trust chairman Malcolm Short said the commitment to providing quality and affordable housing was an important part of Pukeroa Oruawhata's operation.

By the end of March, Pukeroa will have 22 houses on its block of residential land, predominantly to be rented to Ngati Whakaue people, he said.

"We realise there is a need and we have been doing what we can on the land we have."

Mr Short said without the successful development arm - Pukeroa Oruawhata Group - they would not be able to help their people through projects such as housing.

"What many people don't realise is that we didn't receive a cash handout from the Crown, we simply got back land that we had initially lent for specific uses such as the railway station.

"Our developments, such as Rotorua Central, Trade Central and the upcoming Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa, have focused on generating the income which allows us to do more giving back to our community and owners."

Mr Short said being able to leverage off the strength of the commercial assets had been critical in developing the residential housing base.

"By making the best business decisions we can, we are ensuring ongoing revenue streams for our people. The more successful the business ventures are, the more the trust can give back."