Plans for a big new housing development for local Maori will be announced by Prime Minister John Key at Ratana Pa on Saturday. Ratana spokesman Adrian Rurawhe said 50 new housing lots would be the first development at Ratana since the 1950s. The residential subdivision would add 43 per cent more housingto the pa, and also included 10 lots for other community activities. Having the prime minister launch the strategy was a nod to MPs who had contributed to the town in the past, he said. "It's really exciting for us that he's decided to do that for us. It's quite significant for our community." About 450 people live at Ratana pa, the centre of the Ratana faith, which had about 60,000 members throughout the country, Mr Rurawhe said. "The major focus is to provide more housing for those people who don't have housing in Ratana ... a lot of people were brought up here but, because there weren't any sections here, have moved into Wanganui. But they'd really like to live at Ratana." It was important to have Ratana members living in the town because it was the focus of the faith, he said. Roles in the community were passed down through generations, some dating back to the 1920s, and it was difficult for people living in Wanganui and Marton to maintain those responsibilities. "We've had very positive feedback, there's a lot of excitement from people who are very keen to move back there and have their own home at Ratana." More than eight hectares had been set aside by the Ratana family for the new housing development, and a trust would provide long-term leases so families could build there. The plan also outlined new insulation for some of the town's existing 115 houses, and hoped to secure apprenticeships for Ratana members. Mr Rurawhe said he hoped tenders would be sought within the next six months, and building could start within 18 months, in stages of five to 10 houses. Funding was being sought. Up to 300 people are expected to attend the launch and share a hakari, or celebratory feast. Other dignitaries invited include Wanganui MP, Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia, Rangitikei MP Simon Power, and Rangitikei District Council mayor Chalky Leary.
