120 | Empowering families He Korowai Trust is transforming former state homes from Auckland, originally slated for demolition, into affordable, relocatable housing options. COMMUNITY He Korowai Trust T T Bernadette Cooney He Korowai Trust, based in Kaitaia, is revolutionising the approach to housing crises for families in need throughout the Far North. Recently, they unveiled the third stage of their groundbreaking social housing project – Kohuhu Street Papakaianga. This initiative is more than just about shelter; it’s about empowering families and fostering a sense of community and tino rangatiratanga. By expanding their development, He Korowai Trust aims to offer a viable path to homeownership for whanau through their innovative rent-to-own program. This program is designed to uplift families, providing them with stability and security while they work towards owning their own homes. With funding support from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development & Ministry of Innovation and Employment, He Korowai Trust is transforming former state homes from Auckland, originally slated for demolition, into affordable, relocatable housing options for local families in desperate need. Toddy Shepherd, the CEO of He Korowai Trust Kaitaia describes the third stage as a deluxe version of re-purposed state houses. Combining solid 1940s-era homes from the first stage with homes from the 1960s to the 1980s in the second stage, Kohuhu Papakaianga represents a blend of heritage and modernity. “It’s exciting to see the opportunities these relocatable homes are providing for families,” says Toddy. “Our vision and mission is to develop tino rangatiratanga across the papakaianga.” A catalyst for real change in the lives of Far North whanau, Toddy Shepherd says the re-purposed, relocatable homes are a mix of private rentals and a rent to own housing model which emphasises the Trust’s commitment to developing tino rangatiratanga (self-determination). “The trust has made a conscious choice to support our whanau in difficult circumstances. These are people who will never be able to walk into a bank to get a home loan.” Under the Trust’s rent-to-own model, families are offered a 16-year lease with rent capped at $320 per week. At the end of the lease, the Trust provides $50,000 towards infrastructure costs to relocate the home to the homeowner’s own whenua (land). He Korowai Trust have developed around 13 acres of the 50-acre block purchased under general title and converted to Māori land, and now accommodating more than 45 families. Lease agreements with tenants ensure that the Papakaianga remains a drug, alcohol, and violence-free zone, reflecting the values and tikanga (customs) of the Trust. By upholding their values and tikanga, the Trust creates a safe environment for individuals and families to thrive. Unlike accredited community housing providers (CHPs), He Korowai Trust chose not to be bound by the limitations of the Residential Tenancies Act. This decision allows them to exercise their tikanga ensuring that their initiatives align with the cultural values of the community. “We chose not to be a CHP, because if we were, we could not exercise our tikanga across the papakaianga,” says Toddy. Even the Trust’s contractors, such as Total Repile and Far North Roading, share the vision and Kaupapa of the trust’s aim of creating safe and sober communities. “They’re aligned with our values and have been so good to us. Whenever we need infrastructure, they are only a phone call away.” Instead of opting for new duplex housing, which lacks the flexibility of relocation, the Trust sought affordable and relocatable housing options. This approach enables families to reclaim their autonomy and return to their own whenua in the future. In addition to housing, He Korowai Trust provides essential amenities and services including units for kaumatua and kui (elders), 35- bed emergency accommodation unit, a community café, access to medical services and social services. Looking ahead, the Trust has purchased another block of land for development at nearby Donald Road, Kaitaia where they plan to put another 10 dwellings soon. In the heart of Hikurangi, TR Building Removals are a whanau owned and led, house moving and repiling company, deeply rooted in the values of community and service. Established in 2017, by founding directors Chris and Kat Cox, TR Building Removals has since become synonymous with reliability, expertise, and a heartfelt commitment to uplifting communities across Northland. Previously trading as Total Repile, the company rebranded to TR Building Removals to better re lect its core services. “We have the capability tomove any kind of house” says Chris, “any age, any kind, any style and anywhere in the North Island, we canmove it.” “We’re a very whanau orientated company,” says Chris, “if anyone’s got kaupapa on, or anything on, we absolutely encourage them to take time for that.” In keeping with their commitment to whanau and community, TR Building Removals collaborates with He Korowai Trust to assist their e orts in providing more a ordable housing in Kaitaia. Chris leads a teamof ten skilled individuals, each regarded as cherished members of an extended whānau. “Together, we strive to foster unity, respect, and personal growth, not just within our company but within the wider Māori community as well.” The renovation experts Through their partnership, they contribute to the development of a ordable housing solutions, such as the Kohuhu Street project in Kaitaia. “We’ve been working with He Korowai Trust since they moved their irst house to Kohuhu Street, way back in 2013,” says Chris. “ I couldn’t ask for a better bunch to do work for. We align with their aims to provide a ordable housing options for our people, and we’re honoured to play a role in ful illing that vision.” Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and a wealth of experience, TR Building Removals o ers a comprehensive suite of services, including house lifting, repiling, on-site shifting, and the sale and purchase of buildings for removal. “We have some of the best gear in New Zealand for house moving, including the TRT electric steering trailer we use.” This electronic steering systemgreatly assists operators by enabling all truck axles to steer in conjunction with the truck steering or by remote control for crab steering. TR Building Removals have vast experience and a solid health and safety record andmaintain all required public liability insurances plus transport and activity permits. When you choose TR Building Removals, you're not just investing in a service—you're investing in a legacy of excellence, integrity, and community empowerment. YOUR COMPLETE BUILDING RELOCATION SERVICE Foundations Building Removals Specialised Moves With 40+ years of combined experience in buying, selling and transporting existing houses across the North Island plus specialised foundation work, your building relocation project is in good hands with TR Building Removals. 027 244 9006 www.trbuildingremovals.nz admin@trbuildingremovals.nz CONTACT US
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