A Māori housing group is backing a controversial plan to build 300 houses on an Auckland reserve, saying it could help more Māori own their own homes.
The area in red will be used for new homes under the plan for the Port England Reserve development. Photo: Supplied
Te Matapihi supports the Point England Development Enabling Bill, which will allow the government to rezone the land for development.
It will sell the land to the local iwi Ngāti Paoa to build 120 affordable and social houses and 180 properties wiil be sold at market value.
Te Matapihi's programme manager, Jade Kake, said it would give some Māori families the chance to buy their first homes.
"Māori have much lower rates of home ownership and property is the major investment for ordinary New Zealanders and it means that families are able to accumulate inter-generational wealth, not to mention the positives around having a stable home address."
Ms Kake said despite strong community opposition, the development balances the rights of local residents with the rights of Ngāti Paoa.
In its submission on the bill, Te Matapihi says for Māori the dream of home ownership is even more unattainable than for other people.