Briefing to the Incoming Ministers for Housing and Urban Development and Māori Development 2017 - Squarespace
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Briefing to the Incoming Ministers
for Housing and Urban Development
and Māori Development
2017
1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this briefing is to introduce Te Matapihi he Tirohanga mō te Iwi Trust (Te Matapihi)
as the national peak sector body supporting Māori housing, and to highlight issues of significance to
the Māori housing sector that we believe warrant Ministers’ attention.
Te Matapihi operates as an independent voice for Māori to advance better Māori housing outcomes.
To achieve this, we perform systems advocacy to improve opportunities for Māori to develop their
land for housing and improve their housing situations. We also develop mechanisms to build the
capability and capacity of our sector, and produce research that supports evidence-based policy
development.
Te Matapihi advocacy to the government includes influencing: the creation of new laws or changes
to current laws, the priorities and plans of government and non-government agencies, the policies
and procedures that relate to services or systems, and the way in which government and non-
government agencies provide services. We also endeavour to ensure there is a Māori voice on any
advisory panel whose scope impacts the Māori housing sector.
We believe that Ministerial leadership with regard to the following key issues will provide a
significant impact on Māori housing outcomes:
1. Ongoing commitment to implementation, monitoring and evaluation of He
Whare Āhuru He Oranga Tangata – the Māori Housing Strategy, development
of 2018-2020 priority actions, and continuation of the strategy beyond 2025.
2. Appointment of a Minister for Māori Housing or Māori Associate Minister for
Housing and Urban Development.
3. Continuing and increasing the current appropriations for Māori housing
currently administered by the Māori Housing Network – Te Puni Kōkiri.
4. Revitalisation of the Māori Housing Act 1935.
5. Establishment of a Māori Housing Statutory Unit to operate as a landing place
for all current and future investments for Māori housing outcomes (and
administering in a coordinated manner), lead strategic implementation of He
Whare Āhuru, He Oranga Tāngata – The Māori Housing Strategy, and develop
Māori housing policy.
We also highlight the following strategic priorities for Te Matapihi for Ministers’ information:
1. Working with legal counsel to lodge an overarching Te Matapihi claim as part
of the ‘Social services, social development and housing’ kaupapa inquiry,
scheduled to commence early 2018.
2. Coordinating public and private stakeholders to reform Kāinga Whenua and
Māori housing finance more broadly, and to resolve ongoing barriers to owner
development of Māori land.
3. Increasing capacity and capability within the sector, including through training
and practitioner development opportunities, and through the development of
a service delivery arm with the ability to assemble multi-disciplinary project
teams, aggregate expertise, and expedite project delivery.
Briefing to the Incoming Ministers for Housing and Urban Development and Māori Development Page 2 of 274. Establishing a Māori housing research entity, capable of producing quick turn-
around research and independent analysis, to promote the development of
evidence-based policy and support Māori communities to access research
expertise.
5. Developing terms of reference for ongoing formal engagement with central
government housing agencies, the Minister(s) of Housing and Urban
Development and appropriate advisory functions.
Briefing to the Incoming Ministers for Housing and Urban Development and Māori Development Page 3 of 27TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................................................................................................... 2 2.0 INTRODUCTION FROM THE CHAIR.................................................................................. 5 3.0 ABOUT TE MATAPIHI ....................................................................................................... 6 3.1 Background.................................................................................................................. 6 3.2 Governance ................................................................................................................. 6 4.0 MAJOR POLICY AND IMPLEMENTATION ISSUES ............................................................. 8 4.1 Summary of priority issues for the incoming government ......................................... 8 4.2 Summary of priority issues for Te Matapihi ..............................................................14 APPENDIX 1 - GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT OF TE MATAPIHI ......................................18 APPENDIX 2 - ANALYSIS OF LABOUR HOUSING POLICY ...........................................................24 Briefing to the Incoming Ministers for Housing and Urban Development and Māori Development Page 4 of 27
2.0 INTRODUCTION FROM THE CHAIR Tēnā koutou e ngā Minita This briefing is provided in anticipation of kānohi ki te kānohi meetings and the development of a close working relationship between Te Matapihi and ministers responsible for Māori housing, in the hope that we can collectively develop housing policy which substantially improves Māori housing circumstances – hei oranga mo te iwi. We look forward to responding to any queries you may have about this briefing and meeting in person prior to Christmas. Heoi anō Nāku noa, nā Rau Hoskins Chairperson Te Matapihi he Tirohanga mō te Iwi Trust Briefing to the Incoming Ministers for Housing and Urban Development and Māori Development Page 5 of 27
3.0 ABOUT TE MATAPIHI
3.1 Background
Te Matapihi he Tirohanga mō te Iwi Trust was established in 2011 to advocate for Māori housing
interests at a National level. We operate as an independent voice for the Māori housing sector,
assisting in Māori housing policy development at both central and local government levels,
supporting the growth of the sector through existing and emerging regional forums, and providing a
platform for sharing high quality resources and information.
Te Matapihi currently has trustees and delegates representing Māori housing forums and Māori
housing providers in Te Tai Tokerau, Tāmaki Makaurau, Tainui, Te Tai Rāwhiti, Eastern Bay of Plenty
and Te Whanganui-a-Tara, as well as strong connections in the Western Bay of Plenty. Te Matapihi
wish to support the growth and development of other regional Māori housing forums around the
motu and welcome the nomination of new delegates to represent these rohe.
Te Matapihi arose from a ‘call to action’ at the inaugural National Māori Housing Conference held in
Rotorua in March 2010, to develop strategies and processes that could inform a national Māori
housing advocacy role to central and local government.
Following the inaugural Conference and meetings of the ‘call to action’ steering group, a wānanga at
Mataatua Marae, Māngere in May 2011 agreed to formulate a Trust and adopted the name Te
Matapihi he Tirohanga mō te Iwi.
Te Matapihi was legally constituted in October 2011 with the following objectives:
• To act as the peak sector body for Māori Housing
• To support existing and emerging regional Māori housing forums
• To assist in Māori housing policy development at central and local government
levels
• To share high quality information and successful approaches
• To advocate for the wider Māori housing sector to Central government
housing agencies
The wānanga also accepted a tono from Te Tai Tokerau Māori housing providers to host the second
National Māori housing Hui which was held at Waitangi in February 2012.
The diagram on the following page illustrates the current organisational structure of Te
Matapihi.
3.2 Governance
Having been in operation since 2011, Te Matapihi recently underwent a governance review to
ensure we remain effective in supporting Māori housing aspirations. The key recommendations of
this review were:
• The establishment of a National Māori Housing Council - Te Kaunihera Puāwaitanga:
the council will be comprised of regionally based representation. As well as providing a
forum for discussion of regional Māori housing issues, the council will lead the
development of a national Māori housing strategy by the sector, and monitor the Te
Matapihi Executive Board’s activities towards implementation of that strategy.
Briefing to the Incoming Ministers for Housing and Urban Development and Māori Development Page 6 of 27• The appointment of new Trustees to the Te Matapihi Executive Board: the current
composition of regionally representative Trustees will be replaced with a trusteeship
whose skills and expertise are closely aligned to the strategic priorities of the Māori
housing sector.
The call for expressions of interest from individuals’ active in the pursuit of Māori housing outcomes
to take up governance roles, whether as inaugural members of the National Māori Housing Council,
or as new Trustees of the Te Matapihi Executive Board closed as at 31 October 2017, with
appointments expected to be in place prior to the end of 2017.
The current Board consists of nine Trustees and regional representatives; details of all Board
members are set out in the attached Appendix 1.
Figure 1. Te Matapihi Organisational Structure
For further information regarding the governance and management of Te Matapihi, including details
of our current work programme, please see Appendix 1 attached.
Briefing to the Incoming Ministers for Housing and Urban Development and Māori Development Page 7 of 274.0 MAJOR POLICY AND IMPLEMENTATION ISSUES
4.1 Summary of priority issues for the incoming government
According to the Māori Housing Network Investment Strategy 2015-2018, Māori housing need is
characterised by poor quality of housing, high rates of tenancy subsidies, and low rates of home
ownership. Furthermore, Māori are over-represented in measures of housing need:
• Over 11,700 Māori currently experience severe housing deprivation. 1
• An estimated 1,290 Māori are homeless, 235 are in emergency housing, 1056 in commercial
accommodation or on marae, and 9,149 live in severely overcrowded homes. 2
• A further 22,184 Māori receive an income related rent subsidy as Housing New Zealand
Corporation clients (34.5% of all recipients). 3
• 89,434 Māori receive an income and asset tested Accommodation Supplement. 4
• 43% of Māori are living in owner occupied homes, compared to the national average of
64.8%.5
While the numbers of new houses built for whānau Māori are low relative to need, the Māori
housing sector has responded to these challenges, and has experienced some growth in recent
years. There have been a number of successful papakāinga developments across the country, and a
range of responses by Māori organisations to addressing the need for affordable, secure, healthy
and culturally appropriate housing.
Te Matapihi’s unique position as an independent advocate for Māori housing outcomes allows us to
have a broad awareness of the current issues, priorities and activities within the Māori housing
sector. Based on our experience in the sector over the past six years, we summarise below the
priority issues we believe will make the most difference in addressing Māori housing issues.
Prior to the national elections Te Matapihi provided an independent analysis of the major parties’
housing policies, with a focus on Māori housing outcomes. Given that Labour’s policies will no doubt
form a blueprint for the government’s strategies, we have considered these in the development of
our briefing. Te Matapihi support these policies in principle, and believe that with a sound approach
to engaging with the Treaty partner, implementation of these policies will have a positive impact for
Māori. With regard to Labour’s pre-election housing policies in particular, Te Matapihi recommends:
• Iwi and Māori providers are engaged in the roll-out of the Kiwibuild programme, and that
consideration is given to allocating a minimum number of homes to be developed in
partnership with the Māori housing sector, and for purchase by Māori whānau.
• Māori have the opportunity to participate throughout all levels of the proposed Affordable
Housing Authority, including governance, policy and programme design and
implementation.
• The government encourages the growth of Māori housing providers, and considers their role
in addressing the needs of the social housing sector.
1 Amore K, Viggers H, Baker, MG, & Howden-Chapman, P (2013). Severe housing deprivation: good quality
housing. The problem and its measurement, Official Statistics Research Series, 6.
2 ibid
3 ibid
4 Ministry of Social Development data (March 2015).
5 2013 Census, Statistics New Zealand.
Briefing to the Incoming Ministers for Housing and Urban Development and Māori Development Page 8 of 27• Iwi, hapū and Māori service providers are engaged in the delivery of proposed home
ownership programmes.
A summary of our analysis of Labour’s pre-election policies is attached at Appendix 2.
4.1.1 He Whare Āhuru, He Oranga Tangata – the Māori Housing Strategy
In 2014 the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) produced the government’s
national Māori Housing Strategy. He Whare Āhuru outlines six overarching strategic directions and
related actions for the period 2014 – 2025. It also identifies priorities for the period 2014 – 2017.
To summarise, the key outcomes envisaged by the strategy are:
• Improving housing outcomes for Māori and their whānau
• Increasing housing choices by growing the Māori housing sector.
Its six directions are as follows:
• Ensure the most vulnerable Māori have secure tenure, and access to safe, quality housing
with integrated support services
• Improve the quality of housing for Māori communities
• Support Māori and their whānau to transition to preferred housing choices
• Increase the amount of social housing provided by Māori organisations
• Increase housing on Māori-owned land
• Increase large-scale housing developments involving Māori organisations.
Te Matapihi strongly supports this strategy, which provides a fair reflection of the priorities for the
Māori housing sector, and which has also provided a basis for recent government investment in
Māori housing initiatives, particularly via the Māori Housing Network.
However, after the release of He Whare Āhuru, we have observed an apparent lack of progress with
its implementation. This is likely due to a lack of ownership of the strategy at an agency level, and
the consequent lack of an implementation plan and monitoring and evaluation processes.
To give greater impetus to He Whare Āhuru, Te Matapihi recommends that:
• Leadership of the strategy is provided at a ministerial level: He Whare Āhuru provides a
touchstone for the government’s leadership stance on Māori housing outcomes. It can also
be a focus point for high level discussions between the Crown and leadership within the
Māori housing sector.
• Agency leadership of the strategy is clearly assigned: Clear direction is necessary as to
which ministry is responsible for leading implementation of the strategy, and which
ministries/ agencies have a support role.
• An implementation plan is developed: The implementation plan should:
- Consider regional needs and priorities
- Align with related government initiatives, including He Kai Kei Aku Ringa (Crown-
Māori Economic Grown Partnership) and Whānau Ora
Briefing to the Incoming Ministers for Housing and Urban Development and Māori Development Page 9 of 27- Align with sector-led strategies, such as that currently being developed by Te
Matapihi, or strategies advocated by the Iwi Chairs Forum.
- Contain a monitoring and evaluation plan, upon which progress is reported to Māori
housing sector stakeholders on an annual basis
- Provide the basis for future government appropriations relating to Māori housing
activities.
4.1.2 Māori Housing Ministerial Portfolio
Housing at all points along the housing continuum is a significant priority for Māori. It is widely
recognised that housing is a major determinant of health and wellbeing, including social and
economic wellbeing. Housing is at a crisis point, and as a significant proportion of those who
experience social deprivation, this crisis is even more acutely felt by Māori.
Te Matapihi believe it is important for the government to take a bold stance on housing for Māori.
We acknowledge and support the new government’s leadership in relation to housing via the
establishment of the Minister for Housing and Urban Development portfolio. However, Te Matapihi
are of the strong view that an equal emphasis on Māori housing is required to urgently address
disparities.
Therefore, we recommend that a Minister of Māori Housing is appointed to champion Māori
housing outcomes, and to drive performance of Crown agencies in this regard. The Minister of Māori
Housing would have a critical role in overseeing He Whare Āhuru (as referred to in the previous
section), and in facilitating cross-government alignment, for example with the Minister of Māori
Development, Minister of Whānau Ora and Minister for Crown-Iwi Relations and Minister for Treaty
of Waitangi Negotiations.
Alternatively, the government could consider appointing Māori Associate Minister for Housing and
Urban Development.
4.1.3 Māori Housing Appropriations
In recent years, government investment in Māori housing outcomes has come primarily via the
Māori Housing Network within Te Puni Kōkiri. The Māori Housing Network currently administers an
appropriation of $19.641 million, and is investing in the following focus areas6:
• Improving the quality of housing for whānau:
- Contributing to emergency housing solutions for whānau with
desperate housing needs.
- Providing funding on home repairs, relocations, new builds, on
infrastructure works to provide basic amenities.
- Engaging with whānau at a community level to assess their housing
needs and direct them to government/ private sector services or
funding to match their needs.
• Building the capability of whānau, hapū and iwi within the Māori housing
sector:
6 Te Puni Kōkiri. (2015). The Māori Housing Network: Investment Strategy 2015-2018. Wellington: Author.
Briefing to the Incoming Ministers for Housing and Urban Development and Māori Development Page 10 of 27- Providing funding for housing project management, proposal
development, feasibility studies and other capability related activities.
- Engaging with Māori housing providers for the purpose of information
brokerage and relationship facilitation.
- Organising and holding papakāinga and home ownership workshops.
- Developing a register of Māori housing providers operating within the
sector to understand the level of capability that currently exists.
• Increasing the supply of affordable housing for Māori
- Providing capital grant funding to Māori housing providers to
contribute to (not fully fund) the development of small-scale
affordable housing solutions.
- Influencing the policy levers of other government agencies to be
directed towards increasing the supply of affordable housing for
Māori.
- Building on relationships with communities to contribute to the
Government’s wider policies on housing affordability.
There is a further appropriation of $9 million over three years for the Te Ara Mau Whare
programme, which aims to assist more whānau into home ownership, and test innovative ways for
whānau Māori to own their own homes.
Te Matapihi has been involved in a variety of ways with many of the projects funded by the Māori
Housing Network, including providing general advice to applicants, brokering strategic relationships,
independent mediation and preparation of case studies. We are pleased to note that many projects
have been successfully completed with support from Māori Housing Network funds, including a
range of papakāinga initiatives and home repair programmes nationally.
However, in our observation, Māori housing need far outstrips the funding available. Te Matapihi
proposes that a significant increase in government appropriations is required to effectively address
disparities in Māori housing outcomes. Whilst there has been notable investment in areas of high
social deprivation, such as Te Tai Tokerau, it is apparent to us that there are pockets of high need
across the country that are going largely unnoticed and unaddressed. Therefore, it is also
recommended that regional needs assessments are undertaken to quantify the investment required
and more effectively target it to areas of need.
Moreover, the Māori Housing Network has experienced some challenges in operationalising its
funds. Their small, centrally based team have managed exceptionally well, but would benefit from
additional resource to increase the volume of projects they are able to engage in. Though support
for the network has been forthcoming from Te Puni Kōkiri regional offices, regional staff are often
unclear as to what is required from them, and are typically not experienced in dealing with housing
projects. In our view, specialist knowledge by on-the-ground staff would be extremely worthwhile in
ensuring the timely, effective and efficient delivery of Māori housing initiatives.
Briefing to the Incoming Ministers for Housing and Urban Development and Māori Development Page 11 of 274.1.4 Revitalisation of the Māori Housing Act 1935
In Te Matapihi’s experience, the main impediment to developing housing on Māori land is the
difficulty for prospective home owners in accessing finance. This is fundamentally because banks are
unwilling to raise mortgages, as security cannot be taken against Māori land. The Kāinga Whenua
loan scheme, administered by Housing New Zealand Corporation in association with Kiwibank, has
been largely ineffective in addressing this impediment. A minimal number of loans have been
approved since the scheme’s inception, and its criteria are more restrictive than standard home
loans. For example, there is a maximum loan of $200,000, and houses must be built on piles so they
can be removed in the event of default.
The Māori Housing Act (1935) states:
For the purpose of providing dwellings and improved housing conditions for Māori the chief
executive (Ministry of Māori Development) may, out of moneys appropriated by Parliament for
the purposes of this Act, make advances to any person for all or any of the following purposes,
namely:
a) for the erection, repair, alteration, or improvement of any dwellings and of all
necessary outbuildings, fences, and appurtenances attached thereto.
b) for the repair, alteration, improvement, or installation in or in respect of any
dwelling of a system of lighting, heating, sanitation, water supply, or other
conveniences.
c) for the purchase of land or interests in land as a site for a dwelling or dwellings:
d) for the draining, cultivation, or general improvement of the land appurtenant to a
dwelling.
e) for the purchase of a dwelling or dwellings.
f) for the payment of any moneys for the time being payable in respect of any
dwelling or of any land that is or is intended to be the site of a dwelling or
appurtenant to a dwelling, whether as rates, taxes, rent, moneys secured by any
mortgage or charge, insurance premiums, or otherwise.
g) for the payment of any single premium payable to an insurer approved by the
chief executive in that behalf in respect of any mortgage or debt repayment
insurance policy.
It is under this Act that ‘Māori Affairs houses’ were developed, and via which many whānau were
able to access Māori Affairs loans to build homes on Māori land. This programme was regarded by
many participants as “leading to better-quality housing outcomes than later programmes”7.
Although the provisions of the Māori Housing Act have not been utilised since the 1980’s, the act
has never been repealed. The act provides an effective means for facilitating housing development
on Māori land, as well as a range of other Māori housing outcomes, that is already at the
government’s disposal. Furthermore, a statutory commitment of this nature would provide a greater
7 Office of the Auditor General. (2011). Government planning and support for housing on Māori land. Retrieved
from https://www.oag.govt.nz/2011/housing-on-Māori-land/part2.htm
Briefing to the Incoming Ministers for Housing and Urban Development and Māori Development Page 12 of 27degree of certainty for the Māori housing sector, which is particularly important due to the extended
duration of many housing projects.
Therefore, Te Matapihi recommends that the Māori Housing Act is revitalised by:
• Reviewing the Act to ensure it is fit for purpose, and making any necessary amendments.
• Developing sound operational policies for its implementation.
• Making the appropriations necessary to give effect to the Act.
4.1.5 Māori Housing Statutory Unit
Discussions with our regional networks, who have worked with the Social Housing Unit (SHU) in the
past and with Te Puni Kōkiri, have led us to conclude that a specific Māori Housing Unit could
significantly enhance the delivery of government support for Māori housing initiatives.
Te Matapihi proposes that a Māori Housing Unit is established, ideally under the auspices of the
revitalised Māori Housing Act. In our view, a statutory body is likely to be less vulnerable to
organisational or political change, which has previously impacted confidence of the sector and
impeded the achievement of housing outcomes for Māori.
In our view, the role of the Māori Housing Unit could include (but would not be limited to):
• Providing a landing place for all investment in Māori housing outcomes, which is currently
administered by multiple agencies, i.e. Te Puni Kōkiri, Ministry of Social Development and
Housing New Zealand Corporation - this would allow Māori housing appropriations to be
administered in a coordinated and strategic manner.
• Leading the implementation and ongoing maintenance of He Whare Āhuru – the Māori
Housing Strategy.
• Development of specific Māori housing policy in conjunction with Te Matapihi and the Māori
housing sector.
• Housing all Māori housing products and providing a consistent decision-making framework.
• Protecting Māori housing investment into the foreseeable future.
Potential advantages of the Māori Housing Unit include:
• Greater certainty in decision making and continuity within the Māori Housing portfolio.
• Decisions are less politically influenced and Māori stakeholders deal with less bureaucracy.
• Access to specialist skill sets relevant to the Māori housing sector.
• Direct reporting at a ministerial level, e.g. to the Minister of Māori Housing.
A Māori Housing Unit, in conjunction with a Minister of Māori Housing and revitalised Māori Housing
Act, would provide an unparalleled level of commitment to Māori housing outcomes, and engender
confidence in the sector to undertake the scale of work necessary to make a significant difference to
Māori whānau.
Briefing to the Incoming Ministers for Housing and Urban Development and Māori Development Page 13 of 274.2 Summary of priority issues for Te Matapihi 4.2.1 ‘Social services, social development and housing’ Kaupapa Inquiry As the Waitangi Tribunal district inquiries into historical claims are approaching conclusion, the Tribunal’s focus has shifted to consider thematic and contemporary claim issues (Crown actions or omissions post-21 September 1992). The Kaupapa Inquiry Programme, which was launched in April 2015, provides an opportunity for thematic grievances of National significance to be heard before the Tribunal, which may include both historical (grievances arising prior to 21 September 1992) and contemporary claim issues. The eleven kaupapa will be considered in an order to be determined by the Tribunal. The Māori Military Veterans Inquiry (WAI 2500) and the Health Services and Outcomes Inquiry (WAI 2575) are currently at the preparation stage. ‘Social services, social development and housing’ is identified as one of eleven initial inquiry areas, with an indicative scope of issues (based on current registered claims) including ‘urban and rural housing provision’, and ‘state housing’. Given our unique position in the Māori housing sector, we believe there is capacity for a claim from Te Matapihi to advocate a significant position in the inquiry, whilst also supporting other groups in the development and preparation of their claims. The role played by the Hauora Coalition in the Health Services and Outcomes Inquiry is a relevant example of how a collective or peak body group can provide direction on the issues facing Māori in relation to housing both historically and in the contemporary era, and leadership through the claims process. The Tribunal has indicated that the inquiry into housing is likely to take the first steps early next year. In preparation for this, Te Matapihi are working with legal counsel to develop a brief of evidence. Through our regional outreach and engagement, we are advising iwi groups around the motu that we can provide support on the preparation of claims for any of regional or localised housing issues, either as part of the Te Matapihi claim, or provide support to lodge independently as appropriate. 4.2.2 Establishment of a Māori housing policy Think Tank The barriers to developing Māori land for housing are well documented, and include a wide range of issues relating to governance and management, land tenure and occupation, legal access, infrastructure, local Councils (including district plan provisions, rating and valuation, development contributions and resource consent fees), and landowner capacity and capability (to engage in development). Significant gains have been made in recent decades, however access to finance remains a persistent barrier. Kāinga Whenua is the first and only loan scheme to offer finance from a mainstream bank to owners of Māori land, and introducing Kāinga Whenua loans in 2009 was seen by Māori landowners as an important step in addressing the financial barriers to building housing on Māori land. Uptake, however, has been extremely low, and the Kāinga Whenua programme has yet to meet the expectations of owners of Māori land or of the agencies involved. The low uptake suggests that a fundamental rethink is required in terms of how we finance development and home ownership on Māori land. With Māori housing outcomes across several measures substantively below those of non-Māori, persistent barriers and significant new emerging opportunities for Māori-led housing development, there is an urgent need to develop new legal and financial models that better support Briefing to the Incoming Ministers for Housing and Urban Development and Māori Development Page 14 of 27
our individual and collective housing needs and aspirations, on Māori land under both Māori
freehold and General title.
It is proposed that a Think Tank be established to tackle the issue of Kāinga Whenua, and the Māori
housing finance more broadly. As a structure, a think tank is defined in terms of a temporary
organisation or group focused on the resolution of a problem or task, particularly in the reams of
science and technology. As a process or technique, it is defined as an in-depth consideration of issues
and challenges whose relevance reaches beyond the individual person or program and the
immediate time frame. The proposed Think Tank will be composed of Government agencies, financial
and legal experts, banking sector reps and community practitioners, and will run for 6-8 months.
Phase one of this project would determine what operational and policy changes are required to
enable the Kāinga Whenua loan scheme to operate optimally, in line with the original policy intent.
Phase two would look to develop a coordinated approach to Māori housing finance by both the
public and private sector, and to design and implement innovative financing alternatives.
It is proposed that the Think Tank would then move on to other significant Māori housing policy
issues, including rating, valuation, landlocked land, paper roads, and public works.
4.2.3 Building the capacity and capability of our sector
Through our Whakatipu portfolio, Te Matapihi have developed range of quality services tailored to
suit the needs of our sector, which includes Māori communities, whānau groups and individuals
seeking to develop their land for housing and improve their housing situations, and kaupapa Māori
organisations involved in the provision of social and affordable housing.
These include:
• Developing and disseminating high-quality Māori housing resources, including case studies,
toolkits, videos and other plain language resources for publication on our website.
• Supporting the growth and development of regional organisational infrastructure, including
the establishment of regional Māori housing forums.
• Coordinating the development of Māori housing training and education programmes, and
the delivery of capacity building and networking events.
• Providing an independent mediation service to resolve disputes within Māori housing
organisations, and between Māori housing organisations and Crown agencies and/or private
sector organisations.
• Providing a governance development service to promote best practice and optimise
reporting and performance.
• Providing a free consultation service to support Māori housing groups embarking on large or
complex projects that are in the early stages of development, including identifying
opportunities for collaboration, and providing or coordinating specialist technical advice.
To expand on the services we are able to provide to our sector, Te Matapihi will investigate the
development of a service delivery arm. The service delivery arm will provide specialised services to
build the capacity of Māori communities and organisations to undertake culturally appropriate and
environmentally, socially and economically sustainable development within their rohe, whilst also
developing a skilled professional workforce with technical and cultural competency required to
effectively service our sector.
Briefing to the Incoming Ministers for Housing and Urban Development and Māori Development Page 15 of 27Through the provision of planning, architectural design, technical assistance and research, the service
delivery arm will assist iwi, hapū, whānau and mataawaka communities to exercise mana motuhake
and realise their own aspirations for their physical environments. The Community Design Centre
model developed in the United States offers a potential operating model. It is envisioned that Te
Matapihi will work closely with Ngā Aho (the society of Māori design professionals) and other
stakeholders in the development of a detailed business case.
The service delivery arm will provide a range of coordinated services to support the establishment of
Māori housing (including papakāinga), marae, and neighbourhood regeneration projects. These may
include:
• Assembling skilled multi-disciplinary project development teams, with a preference for
developing local capability wherever possible.
• Maintaining a list of preferred (trusted) contractors, and run tender processes and complete
due diligence on new contractors as required.
• Liaison with and coordination of other central government funders / stakeholders, liaison
with Māori Land Court on governance and land tenure issues, and liaison with local
government regarding resource consents, plan provisions, and development contributions.
• Contract administration, and support with reporting and compliance.
• Convening an independent design review panel for all proposals to ensure design quality is
maintained and promoted.
• In partnership with tertiary education providers, developing internship programmes for
Māori students and community-based fellowships for new graduates.
4.2.4 Strengthening our role in research
In the short-term, Te Matapihi will develop a research strategy for our organisation to enable us to
strengthen our role in research. We will also work towards our goal of establishing an independent
Māori housing research entity with the ability to produce quick turn-around research and
independent analysis. The research entity will promote the development of evidence-based policy,
and support Māori communities to access research expertise.
Our key roles in relation to research are:
I. Ensuring research is appropriately targeted in support of the aspirations of Māori
communities (including selection of projects, and connecting communities and research
teams), promoting positive and culturally based stakeholder relationships, and translation of
research outputs into plain language resources for the sector.
II. Ensuring research is produced that supports evidence-based policy development.
Over the past three years, Te Matapihi have been developing relationships with Māori housing
researchers and institutions around the motu, principally through our involvement with the National
Science Challenge: Building Better Homes, Towns and Cities - Ko ngā wā kāinga hei
whakamāhorahora. National Science Challenges are an initiative by central government to encourage
universities and researchers to collaborate to develop research which addresses issues identified by
communities. This Challenge focuses on housing supply, urban environments and wellbeing, housing
quality, data and information, productivity and innovation.
Briefing to the Incoming Ministers for Housing and Urban Development and Māori Development Page 16 of 27Te Matapihi were involved in the development of the original research plan that was approved by
the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment. Since the launch of the Challenge in May
2016, Te Matapihi staff and Board members have remain actively involved as researchers and
strategic advisors. The Challenge has made a strong commitment to Māori and Te Tirīti o Waitangi –
there is a strong group of Māori researchers (Māori rangahau roopu), a dedicated Māori Science
Leadership team, a Director – Māori, and two Māori appointees to the Board.
In 2018, Te Matapihi aims to strengthen this working relationship by establishing a formal Board to
Board relationship between the National Science Challenge governance group and our new Board, to
establish shared research priorities and potentially co-commission research.
4.2.5 Terms of reference for ongoing engagement with central government
Notwithstanding our recommendation that the government establishes a ‘one stop shop’ Māori
Housing Unit, we acknowledge that multiple agencies will continue to have a role in influencing
housing outcomes for Māori. Navigating different agencies with diverse policies, procedures and
personnel can be a complex process. Therefore, Te Matapihi proposes to collaborate with central
government to develop terms of reference for ongoing formal engagement with central government
agencies that have a role in housing.
We propose that these terms of reference outline:
• Protocols for engagement at a ministerial level, including with the Minister for Housing and
Urban Development, Minister for Māori Development, and any other relevant ministerial
portfolios.
• A commitment from chief executives of relevant agencies to proactively engage in a ‘joined-
up’ dialogue around Māori housing outcomes in conjunction with Te Matapihi and other key
stakeholders in the Māori housing sector (such as the Iwi Chairs Forum). These agencies
would include Te Puni Kōkiri, Ministry of Social Development, Housing New Zealand,
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and the proposed Affordable Housing
Authority.
• Operational buy in from senior officials centrally and regionally to support a shared work
programme.
• Developing terms of reference for ongoing formal engagement with central government
housing agencies, the Minister(s) of Housing and Urban Development and appropriate
advisory functions.
Briefing to the Incoming Ministers for Housing and Urban Development and Māori Development Page 17 of 27APPENDIX 1 - GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT OF TE MATAPIHI
Governance
Te Matapihi is an independent voice for the Māori housing sector. Our vision is an Aotearoa where
Māori are living in healthy, appropriate, and secure housing of their own choosing. Our mission is to
support the growth and development of the Māori housing sector, and to promote improved
housing outcomes for Māori.
The current Te Matapihi Trust Deed provides for a maximum of twelve trustee positions, including
nine regional representatives, who are elected based on current involvement in Māori housing and
support from their region, and three general representatives, who are elected based on Māori
housing skills and experience. Additionally, there is unlimited provision for regional representatives
(who are not trustees), provided they have strong support from their rohe.
Te Matapihi currently has nine Trustees and delegates representing Māori housing forums and
Māori housing providers in Te Tai Tokerau, Tāmaki Makaurau, Tainui, Te Tai Rāwhiti, Eastern Bay of
Plenty and Te Whanganui-a-Tara, as well as strong connections in the Western Bay of Plenty.
Current board members are:
• Kaye-Maree Dunn | Te Whanganui-ā-Tara (Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti
Mahanga, Te Rangikoianaake, Ngāi Tamanuhiri)
• Wikitoria Hona | Eastern Bay of Plenty (Ngāti Whare)
• Rau Hoskins (Chairperson) | General (Ngāpuhi)
• Anne Huriwai | Te Tai Rāwhiti (Ngāti Porou)
• Barry Moore | Te Tai Tokerau (Ngāti Wai)
• Ronald Nepe | Te Tai Rāwhiti (Tūranganui-ā-Kiwa)
• Honey Renata | Hauraki (Ngāti Whānaunga)
• Fred Sadler (Kaumātua)| General (Ngāpuhi)
• Dr Fiona Te Momo | General (Ngāti Kanohi, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Raukawa)
Management
The management and operational team responsible for the delivery of the work plan are:
• Patrick Gemmell | General Manager (Ngāti Kahungunu)
• Jade Kake | Principal – Programme & Design (Ngāpuhi, Te Arawa, Whakatōhea)
• Wayne Knox | Lead Advisor – Policy & Engagement (Waikato)
• Justine Pepene-Hohaia |Lead Advisor – Reporting & Performance (Ngāpuhi)
• Nazarene Mihaere | Advisor – Projects (Tūwharetoa, Waikato-Tainui, Ngāti Porou)
Briefing to the Incoming Ministers for Housing and Urban Development and Māori Development Page 18 of 27Te Matapihi utilise a mix of staff, and partner organisations located around the motu to bring effect
to our work programme; with the investment plan governed by the Te Matapihi Executive Board.
Management of the work plan and core functions are conducted by Te Matapihi staff, with
specialists engaged as/if required.
A key strategy is to engage with Māori whānau and communities through regional forums that will
be supported to address local issues, strengthen collaboration and share best practice.
As a National Peak Body Advocate for Māori Housing Outcomes, Te Matapihi closely aligns to the
Government’s Māori Housing Strategy He Whare Āhuru He Oranga Tangata. Our directives support
the operational objectives of the Māori Housing Network, currently operationalised by Te Puni
Kōkiri(TPK).
The Māori Housing Network’s activities complement the Government’s wider housing initiatives and
contribute to:
I. Improving housing for whānau Māori, and
II. Increase housing choices for whānau Māori by growing the Māori housing Sector.
Te Puni Kōkiri have kindly provided the seed funding to support Te Matapihi’s human resources
over the past fourteen months, helping our organisation build an operational ability to support
Māori housing aspirations, undergo a comprehensive review of our governance, and providing
both strategic and operational linkages between the Māori Housing sector and government
agencies.
The current work plan builds on the foundational work completed over the past fourteen months
and will enable Te Matapihi to continue to operate as a strong independent Māngai for our sector,
supporting the Māori Housing Network and other agencies to implement He Whare Āhuru: the
Māori Housing Strategy for improved Māori housing outcomes.
Scope of Work: Major Themes
The three over-arching housing themes we aim to advance are as follows:
1. Critical Awareness - Building and linking the Māori Housing Sector.
2. Infrastructural Capability – Assisting and giving direction to the sector to becoming
Housing Ready.
3. Enduring Relationships – Connecting Tangata Whenua with Crown and investment
entities.
Furthermore, relating to our high-level advocacy objectives, Te Matapihi aim to seek
leverage to achieve the following:
4. To advocate for a housing specific ministerial voice for Māori housing outcomes.
5. To advocate for monitoring and evaluation of He Whare Āhuru – The Māori
Housing Strategy (3 years on).
6. To advocate for a continuation of resources to the Māori Housing Network
beyond 2018-19 and influence and shape policy.
7. To revitalize the Māori Housing Act – 1935 to add weight to durable, long term
Māori housing policy development and outcomes.
Briefing to the Incoming Ministers for Housing and Urban Development and Māori Development Page 19 of 27Te Matapihi Work Plan
For Te Matapihi to support the Māori Housing Network, and the Māori Housing Strategy, a work
programme in alignment with the following priority areas (work streams) is currently being
undertaken:
I. Māngai – Support the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of
initiatives undertaken to support the policy objectives of He Whare Āhuru, He Oranga
Tangata.
II. Rangahau – Inform Māori housing research to provide a strong evidence base for Māori
housing policy development.
III. Te Hiringa – Support innovation and greater collaboration across the sector.
IV. Whakatipu – Strengthen the capacity of regional forums / rūnanga and their members to
support implementation of National priorities as indicated in He Whare Āhuru.
Work streams Activities
1.1 Provide technical assistance in the
Māngai: Support the development,
development of a monitoring and evaluation
implementation, monitoring and evaluation of
framework for He Whare Āhuru
initiatives undertaken to support the policy
objectives of He Whare Āhuru, He Oranga 1.2 Advocate for the continuation of Māori
Tangata – The Māori Housing Strategy, and the housing appropriations beyond 2018-19, and
Investment Plan for the appropriations support the alignment of the investment
administered through Te Puni Kōkiri framework to the deprivation index
Baseline: No one government department 1.3 Advocate for a housing specific ministerial
currently responsible for policy development voice for Māori housing outcomes
under He Whare Āhuru
1.4 Initiate a revitalization of the Māori Housing
Targets: (i) Māori housing policies developed to sit Act – 1935
under He Whare Āhuru (ii) Monitoring and
evaluation framework developed for He Whare 1.5 Lead the reform of Kāinga Whenua and
Āhuru (iii) Government investment framework support the development of alternative Māori
developed with an emphasis on alignment to the housing financial products through the
deprivation index establishment of the He Whare Āhuru Think
Tank
Indicators: Policy development responsibility for
He Whare Āhuru identified / agreed, monitoring 1.6 Work with legal counsel to lodge an
and evaluation frame- work in place, investment overarching Te Matapihi claim as part of the
framework aligned with the deprivation index in ‘Social services, social development and
place housing’ kaupapa inquiry, scheduled to
commence early 2018
2017/18 Appropriation: $181,116
Rangahau: Establish a Māori housing research 2.1 Develop a Te Matapihi research strategy to
centre to provide data analysis and a strong identify research needs and priorities
evidence base for Māori housing policy
Briefing to the Incoming Ministers for Housing and Urban Development and Māori Development Page 20 of 27Work streams Activities
development and trends, as well as a collection of 2.2 Develop a formal Board to Board
relevant information about the sectors concerns relationship between the National Science
and good practices to contribute to better policy Challenge: Building Better Homes, Towns and
development. Cities governance group and the newly
appointed Te Matapihi Executive Board, and
Baseline: No centre for Māori housing work together to develop a set of joint Māori
research housing research priorities
Targets: Establishment of a Māori housing 2.3 Participate in research as part of National
research centre Science Challenge: Building Better Homes,
Towns and Cities
Indicators: Centre in place • Waimāhia Inlet project as part of the Future
Neighbourhoods strategic research area
2017/18 Appropriation: $129,704 • Te Manaaki o Te Marae project, as part of
the Kāinga Tahi Kāinga Rua strategic research
area
Te Hiringa: Support innovation within the sector: 3.1 Develop and disseminate Māori housing
activities should in particular directly relate to resources
initiatives that support the implementation of He • Development of ten Māori housing case
Whare Āhuru. In addition, Te Matapihi should studies
encourage cooperation and collaboration with • Development of a plain language resource for
other partner organisations at international, whānau/hapū/iwi using papakāinga district plan
national, regional and local levels. provisions or engaged in papakāinga policy
development
Baseline: He Whare Āhuru in place (through to • Development of a revised Māori housing design
2025) guide
Produce an indigenous urbanism podcast, to
Targets: Māori housing resources are developed profile successful projects and innovation within
and disseminated, Māori housing events and the sector
training are delivered, and innovative pilot
projects are developed that support 3.2 Support the coordination and delivery of
implementation of He Whare Āhuru capacity building and networking events
• Support Waikato-Tainui to plan for the next
Indicators: The Māori housing sector is better biennial National conference (to be held in the
informed and equipped to undertake Māori Waikato, November 2018)
housing projects, which should be reflected in • Develop a relationship agreement with Ngā Aho,
increased Māori housing activity and innovative and jointly develop and deliver a series of events
new models of development
3.3 Support the development of Māori housing
2017/18 Appropriation: $223,855 training and education programmes
• Develop a relationship agreement with the
Australasian Housing Institute (AHI), and work
together to develop Māori housing specific
training modules
• Support the development of a digital
toolkit (video and web-based) for
papakāinga development
Briefing to the Incoming Ministers for Housing and Urban Development and Māori Development Page 21 of 27Work streams Activities
3.4 Thought leadership
• Contribute to and develop publications that
advance public dialogue regarding Māori
housing and homelessness policy and design
4.1 Establish a National Māori Housing Council,
Whakatipu: Strengthen the capacity of regional capable of representing regional issues and
forums / rūnanga and their members to support approaches that can feed into National
implementation of National priorities as indicated advocacy
in He Whare Āhuru, including through offering a • Develop TOR for the Council
platform for the exchange of good practices, and • Convene the inaugural hui in 2018
raising awareness of relevant/current Māori
housing issues. 4.2 Support the growth and establishment of
regional Māori housing forums
Baseline: Two active regional Māori housing • Support the growth and establishment of up to
forums (Western Bay of Plenty and Waikato), one three forums in year one
non-Māori forum with Māori members • Support the establishment of up to three
(Northland Housing Forum), and several rūnanga forums in year two
running papakāinga workshops (Te-Rūnanga-a- • Support the establishment of a Māori
Iwi-o-Ngāpuhi, Aorangi Māori Trust Board) Homelessness Response Taumata for Tāmaki
Makaurau, in association with existing Housing
Targets: At least two new regional forums are First and Emergency Housing Providers
established. Networks
Indicators: Active regional forums established 4.3 Support the delivery of Māori housing
that have a Terms of Reference document, meet training and events through regional forums
regularly, are linked to a joint agency group, and • Support the promotion and roll-out of financial
facilitate the delivery of papakāinga workshops literacy and home ownership training
or other capacity and capability building events programmes through rūnanga or regional
forums
2017/18 Appropriation: $241,501 • Coordinate or support regional housing
events as requested
4.4 Identify opportunities for collaboration,
provide or coordinate specialist technical advice
and provide mediation services for Māori housing
projects
• Support the development of Māori housing
projects through relationship brokering and
specialist advice
• Produce a business case for the development
of a service delivery arm
4.5 Provide an independent mediation to
resolve disputes between Māori housing
organisations and Crown agencies, and Māori
housing organisations and private sector
stakeholders
Briefing to the Incoming Ministers for Housing and Urban Development and Māori Development Page 22 of 27Work streams Activities
4.6 Provide a governance development service
to support best practice, and optimize reporting
and performance
Briefing to the Incoming Ministers for Housing and Urban Development and Māori Development Page 23 of 27APPENDIX 2 - ANALYSIS OF LABOUR HOUSING POLICY
Prior to the national elections Te Matapihi analysed major parties’ housing policies in relation to two
questions – Will it work? And, will it make a difference for Māori? Given that Labour’s policies will no
doubt form a blueprint for the government’s strategies, we refer below to four key policies, which
we think have the potential to make a difference for Māori:
1. KiwiBuild;
2. Establishment of an Affordable Housing Authority;
3. State Houses: People over Profit; and
4. Programmes to Assist Māori into Home Ownership
KiwiBuild
Labour has an ambitious plan to deliver 100,000 affordable houses over ten years for first home
buyers through their KiwiBuild programme. Half of these will be built in Auckland.
An estimated 200,000 additional homes will be required nationwide over the next decade to meet
demand created by population growth,i approximately 65% of which will be in Auckland. ii
The provision of 100,000 homes through KiwiBuild (half of which will be an Auckland) could be an
achievable and appropriate government-led building target – pending further detail – if combined
with other interventions such as taxation reform and market incentives.
Given the emphasis on first home buyers, it is reasonable to assume that KiwiBuild homes will be
targeted at the intermediate housing market,iii which can be defined as working households who are
currently renting in the private market, are ineligible for social housing, and cannot afford to buy a
house at the lower quartile price under current standard bank lending criteria. iv
Labour’s Māori housing policy states that they will house 20,000 Māori families through their
KiwiBuild programme.v
The Māori intermediate market is more difficult to quantify, but based on intermediate market
income range (as defined above) and tenure type (calculated using ‘not owned’ as a percentage of
all tenure types), we estimate that 25,692 Māori households may fall into in the intermediate
market in Auckland, and a further 20,457 nationwide. vi
Therefore, the KiwiBuild target of housing 20,000 Maori families could provide affordable housing
for around half of all Māori households in the intermediate housing market. This suggests that
KiwiBuild will make a difference for Māori overall – but less so than for non-Māori, with greater
benefits likely to accrue to Māori at the upper end of the intermediate market. To be most effective,
targeting may be required, and complementary policies developed to meet the lower end of the
intermediate market.
Establishment of an Affordable Housing Authority
As part of Labour’s Housing policy, an Affordable Housing Authority will be established to drive the
delivery of the KiwiBuild programme. A Māori Housing Unit will also be established within the
Briefing to the Incoming Ministers for Housing and Urban Development and Māori Development Page 24 of 27You can also read
