If there is one thing Hawke’s Bay councils seem to be getting right, it’s increasing the region’s stock of social and lower-income housing.

The latest case in point is this past week’s announcement of Government funding for 150 new social homes in Hawke’s Bay. 

The funding for these homes will come from the Government’s 2024 Budget allocation for 1500 community housing places to be built and tenanted nationwide by mid-2027. 

It is fair to say that Hawke’s Bay securing 150 of these housing places is the result of strong local leadership and collaboration, particularly following the severe impact of Cyclone Gabrielle, which has put local identification of community needs at the centre of housing decision making. The Matariki Housing Leadership Group – a partnership of mana whenua, iwi, PSGEs, councils, and community leaders – has played a key role in identifying housing solutions for the region.

Following the 2024 Government review into Kāinga Ora, the Leadership Group proposed to the Minister for Housing that Hawke’s Bay could be a pilot region for greater place-based management of community housing, as recommended by the review written by former Prime Minister Bill English.

The Minister proposed that the Leadership Group work to identify opportunities for 150 places to be funded from the Budget 2024 CHP allocation and endorse these to the Ministry for Housing and Urban Development for consideration. This work has been ongoing for several months, with the Leadership Group close to endorsing 150 opportunities to the Ministry. Confirmation Friday of the funding from Housing Minister Chris Bishop, who met with representatives of the Leadership Group, is an important step in the process.

Mana Ahuriri Trust Chair, Te Kaha Hawaikirangi, said the announcement signals the potential for genuine partnership when it comes to decisions on where community housing is built, and who it is managed by. “It represents more than just housing. Localised decision-making is about restoring wellbeing, reconnecting whānau to their tūrangawaewae, and recognising that mana whenua have a leading role to play in solutions for our people, by our people.”

Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga Trust Chair, Mike Paku, said the initiative builds on the successful Hastings housing model launched in 2019. “When local leaders and mana whenua are empowered, outcomes improve. The Crown’s trust in us to help determine where these homes could go recognises our proven ability to deliver. Now, we’re looking to formalise regional structures to support long-term local decision-making beyond the 150.”

Paku highlighted the long-term ambition held by the Leadership Group. “This isn’t just about 150 homes. It’s about building a sustainable, place-based model that delivers better results over time, including improved outcomes for tenants and communities, and value-for-money for the Crown. We’re focused on creating a housing system that puts people first and reflects the values of our region.”

The Regional Recovery Agency has supported the initiative by advocating for the region and facilitating the Leadership Group’s work. “With Cyclone Gabrielle having exacerbated the housing shortages faced across Hawke’s Bay this was a natural piece of work for the Agency to support, as part of its recovery and resilience focus,” said Regional Recovery Agency Chair, Blair O’Keeffe.