An advocacy body for Maori housing does not believe the Government's plans to make it easier for people to buy their first home will benefit Maori.
Prime Minister John Key has outlined changes to rules for subsidies under the KiwiSaver home-deposit scheme and the Welcome Home Loan programme.
The plan includes lifting income thresholds to access the home deposit subsidy and the loans, which are underwritten by the Government.
Auckland-based Maori housing group Te Matapihi says Maori home ownership levels are low and the Government's plan will do little to change that.
The plan will benefit a small number of people already close to being able to afford a house, and will increase property demand, raising house prices, it says.
