Secure and affordable housing empowering people in Christchurch East
Four new houses have been added to an existing Marae-led social housing development in the Eastern Suburbs of Christchurch, bringing new, secure, affordable housing in an area of high need.
The Ngā Hau e Whā papakāinga recent opening of one four-bedroom and three two-bedroom homes aims to address housing-related issues faced by the community and ensures that safe and stable housing becomes a solid foundation for their journey towards self-management and sustainability.
Ngā Hau e Whā National Marae Property Manager Arana Talbot says the four new houses complement the existing six by increasing the number of clients and whānau they can accommodate on-site. “Post-earthquake, several suburbs have been negatively affected, in particular Christchurch East suburbs. There's been a lack of support and resources thrown at these communities. So, we're hoping that by adding these four houses, we can, in some small way, help contribute to the positive uplift of the communities in the East.”
Whānau and individuals living in the homes would be given wraparound support to empower them to move in a more positive direction. Arana says they have a suite of over 26 various services on-site delivered by Te Rūnanga o Ngā Maata Waka, the Urban Māori Authority for Canterbury who manage the Marae complex. These services range from Whānau Ora to family harm, driving education, māmā and pepe, and Te Pae Oranga, which are community-based justice panels.
They can also make referrals to other agencies, such as He Waka Tapu, for alcohol or drug counselling if required. “We have very close relations with a number of key Crown agencies – New Zealand Police, Oranga Tamariki, Ministry of Social Development, and we have people within those services we can go to directly if we need to assist clients.”
Trained budget advisers are available to talk to clients or people in need. Arana says they can offer advice on budgeting and getting ahead, and they can also look at first home ownership and a pathway to achieve that. “The idea is to provide whānau with the tools to make better-informed decisions about their goals and aspirations.”
Rātā Foundation has supported the development of the papakāinga since conception, providing a $300,000 grant under its strategic Housing pou. The papakāinga also aligns strongly with Rātā funding priorities to strengthen communities by supporting connections to people and place in areas of need and enhancing places where people gather, such as marae, in a way that continues to foster a sense of belonging and cultural connection for whānau and the local community.
Rātā Foundation Chief Executive Leighton Evans says: “As a concept, it is all about wrapping around each other, fostering a community where people are cared for and can look after each other and have positive connections. This development is a great example of a partnership that delivers good quality housing in Christchurch East. These new homes will provide security of tenure, a healthy living environment, stability for each resident or whānau, and a sense of community that will have long-term benefits."
Resident Mere Crofts says: “Being Ngāi Tahu, we’ve got a very strong affiliation with Ngā Hau e Whā National Marae. My husband was part of the whole establishment, way back. I’ve been living in this establishment since 2018. Seeing what’s happened here over the time we’ve been living here has been amazing. I get heaps of support from Te Rūnanga o Ngā Maata Waka, and that’s why I say I feel really privileged to live in this community.”
Mere originally moved in with her husband, Charlie Crofts, into one of the first three-bedroom houses at the Papakainga in 2018. “I’m really looking forward to moving into the two-bedroom establishment next door. Since my husband passed away, I'm the only person now, so I’d like to think that this house is available for a family.” She has now transitioned into one of the new two-bedroom houses available.
Another resident, Tennyson Teni, says he is excited for the opportunity to be given to move in. “What I’m looking forward to is moving in with my family, and having this opportunity is a big stepping stone for us. We get to save, but not only that, be closer to work and the community.”
Arana says Ngā Hau e Whā National Marae is helping people get ahead and forge their own destiny by providing them with appropriate services that can assist them on that journey. “We awhi them in the best way we can, letting them know that we're always here to support them, no matter what. We're non-judgmental. We're just here to support them.
“We have some long-term visions that we're working towards. We'd love to continue growing and building more community-based housing. We're here to help – to help the community, those who are in need. That's our reason for being.”