26 Sep 2011

Chatham's Maori housing project to go ahead

8:39 pm on 26 September 2011

Construction will begin on the Chatham Islands on a new housing project for Maori in November.

The Ngati Mutunga O Wharekauri Iwi Trust has secured Government funding to help build three three-bedroom houses and two kaumatua flats.

Chair Deborah Goomes says the Trust has always wanted to build accommodation for its people, but the fact it is happening in 2011 is quite by chance.

She says due to a communication breakdown between the Chathams and mainland New Zealand, the Trust only found out about its eligibility to apply for funding a week before applications closed.

Ms Goomes says the two trustees who have been driving the project have had tremendous support from a number of organisations, including the Chatham Island Housing Trust, which is part of the local council.