Government transfers temporary homes to support Māori-led housing solutions

Ōmāhu Marae is the largest marae in Heretaunga (Hastings) and 1 of 7 marae devastated by Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023. Following the cyclone, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) established a 3-year land lease with Ōmāhu Marae (Ngāti Hinemanu and Ngāi Te Upokoiri me ōna Piringa Hapū Trust) to build a temporary accommodation village for the community displaced from their homes.

MBIE’s Temporary Accommodation Service (TAS) partnered with the people of Te Piringa Hapū, Ōmāhu Marae and Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated to build the Ūtaina Ōmāhu village.

All households that were in need of temporary accommodation have since moved out and the homes have been transferred to Ōmāhu 2R Māori Reservation and Ngāti Hinemanu, Ngāi Te Upokoiri me ōna Piringa Hapū Authority Trust for a nominal amount, which reflects the cultural significance of the site, the Trustees’ financial position, and the Crown’s Treaty obligations.

"When TAS villages are no longer needed to support displaced households, TAS aims to give the properties a second life that encourages ongoing social investment and supports the community," says Charlotte Gair, Acting Head of Accommodation and Insurance Response.

"The decision to divest the homes of Ūtaina Ōmāhu supports long-term social investment and regional economic development. The homes will continue to serve the community through papakāinga housing."

Read the Ministers' press release:

Partnering to support Māori-led housing solutions(external link) — Beehive