Warmer, safer whānau homes

A great blessing, over the moon, forever grateful and transformative – these are just a few of the phrases used by Ngāti Toa whānau who benefited from the mahi.

The work ranged from fixing broken windows and rotten floorboards, to new bathrooms and heating and insultation, with the ultimate goal to deliver warmer, healthier, safer homes for each whānau. During the repair programme, black mould and asbestos were revealed and removed.

One whānau said they had been worried about walking in the kitchen because the floorboards were so rotten; another said they felt they were going to fall through their deck; whilst another said whānau members had fallen down the home’s outdoor ramp owing to its steep incline and unsteady handrail.

The repair programme has addressed not only the physical safety issues, it has also lifted spirits.

“What a great impact this has made for auntie’s wellbeing. [It has had a] positive impact on her health and longevity and has uplifted her spirits immensely,” reported one of the whānau in the programme. “I didn't realise the impact that the renos would have on Aunty. The upgrades really have had a positive impact on Aunty’s wairua.”

Another said it had given their parents more independence and reduced concerns about their safety around the home. Others said it has taken a long-held financial stress from their whānau.

One of the contractors supporting the work said they noticed the sense of security and relief the improvements had fostered too.

“Whānau can now sleep soundly in warmer surroundings, our elders can move around without fear of accidents, and families can gather in spaces that are not only safe but welcoming,” the tradesperson said.

“These tangible changes have a ripple effect, improving not just the physical surroundings but also the overall wellbeing and mental health of the residents.”

Nearly three-quarters of the repair jobs completed in the Porirua, Nelson and Blenheim homes were done by iwi businesses or Māori contractors, which gave the work a greater significance.

“It was incredibly hard to see our whānau living in houses that were in such poor condition. Witnessing firsthand the struggles they faced due to inadequate housing was heart-wrenching,” said a tradesperson who had been on the job since it started in 2022.

“However, the experience of being able to make their homes warmer and more comfortable has been immensely fulfilling. Knowing that our efforts directly improved their living conditions brings a deep sense of pride and accomplishment.”

The work was completed in June 2024.

• 21 homes repaired for Ngāti Toa whānau since 2022
• 91 repair jobs completed on their homes
• 74% repair work completed by iwi businesses or Māori contractors

About Te Tumu Kāinga 

Te Tumu Kāinga, a Māori Trustee administered charity, built six new homes for whānau this year.

Te Tumu Kāinga is the trading name for the Auckland and Onehunga Hostels Endowment Trust, an independent statutory trust with charitable entity status committed to helping Māori access healthy, affordable housing.

Established in 1850, the assets of the Trust are vested in and administered by the Māori Trustee.

Over time, the Trust has adapted to meet the changing accommodation needs of Māori in the community, including through the provision of hostel accommodation to support Māori trade trainees and school students.

Te Tumu Kāinga works with partners across Aotearoa to invest in housing projects and pathways to ownership programmes for whānau Māori. Key partners this year were the Housing Foundation and CORT Community Housing. Alongside these organisations, 13 whānau received ongoing support in rent-to-buy initiatives, and six whānau completed the journey to home ownership. 

Pictured above: A small part of a handwritten letter of thanks from a Ngāti Toa whānau member after the team did repairs on their home.