| 61 T T Karen Phelps Bringing whānau back to their whenua The development, led by Ngāti Mutunga, is nearing completion, with five new homes across two sites in Urenui. COMMUNITY Ngati Mutunga: Papakainga A long-held aspiration to see whānau return home to Urenui is becoming a reality through a new papakāinga housing project designed not as an end point, but as a stepping stone towards home ownership. The development, led by Ngāti Mutunga, is nearing completion, with five new homes across two sites in Urenui – three on Ngapapa Street and two on Whakapaki St. More than a housing initiative, the project is about reconnecting people with whenua, strengthening whānau ties and creating long-term economic security through a clear pathway into owning a home. Around two thirds of Ngāti Mutunga members live outside Taranaki and this project offers a tangible way for them to reconnect with their ancestral rohe, says Mitchell Ritai, Pouwhakahaere of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Mutunga. “It’s been a long-term aspiration to offer homes that whānau can move into that are warm and safe,” he says. “Whānau have always wanted to return home, but the reality was there simply wasn’t suitable housing available. This project is for whānau who already live here, and for those who want to reconnect with our whenua.” At the heart of the papakāinga model is a focus on affordable rent as a bridge to ownership. The project is being delivered in partnership with Ka Uruora, an iwi-led organisation providing financial education and savings programmes. Through this partnership, whānau entering the homes are supported to build financial capability alongside stable housing. “Through Ka Uruora, whānau can go through a financial literacy programme that puts them on a journey of home ownership,” explains Mitchell. “It helps us identify whānau who meet the criteria for affordable rentals, and it provides a stepping stone where they can save more and prepare for the next stage.” Residents are also encouraged to enrol in WhānauSaver, an iwi-backed savings scheme designed to support first-home ownership, retirement and education. Annual contributions from the iwi help whānau grow their savings, while flexible contributions and early withdrawal options provide security for short-term emergencies. “The overall goal is to get whānau into home ownership and this is the pathway to do that,” says Mitchell. The location of the papakāinga has been carefully chosen to support everyday living. The homes sit close to the village centre, schools, and shops, making it easier for families to reconnect with community life. “It’s about being able to reclaim the whenua and strengthen whānau ties,” explains Mitchell. Papakāinga housing is part of a wider vision for Ngāti Mutunga, which has been building governance, capability, and partnerships to support the social, cultural, and economic development of its people. The iwi has a layered structure, with a rūnanga overseeing strategic decisions, a community development trust focused on social programmes, and commercial entities managing assets to generate long-term wealth for whānau. The rūnanga operates according to an iwiagreed charter and is accountable to members for decisions that affect Ngāti Mutunga’s assets, wellbeing and strategic development. Mitchell says the aspiration for papakāinga housing stretches back to Ngāti Mutunga’s Treaty of Waitangi settlement in 2005. Since then the iwi has steadily been reclaiming its whenua, strengthening connections across the rohe and creating opportunities for whānau to live, work and thrive in Taranaki. He says the project reflects the iwi’s commitment to social and economic development, combining cultural values, governance and practical pathways for whānau to achieve security and independence. Through home ownership, whānau can generate wealth through their own asset base and empower them to achieve their own aspirations,” says Mitchell. “It also creates stronger ties with the iwi and a stronger future for the community. For Ngāti Mutunga, this project is not just about providing houses but about restoring connection, building confidence and enabling whānau to take meaningful steps towards owning a place to call home.” “It’s been a long-term aspiration to offer homes that whānau can move into that are warm and safe.” CALL 06 758 8073 jared@rylocktaranaki.co.nz Rylock® Taranaki 53 Hurlstone Drive Waiwhakaiho WINDOWS • DOORS GARAGE DOORS CONSERVATORIES dual GLAZE DOUBLE GLAZING LICENSED AGENT
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