New policy on Maori housing

Press, 14 April 1984, Page 27

New policy on Maori housing

PA Wellington The Maori Affairs Department had adopted a new housing policy of “concentrating on areas of special need,” the Government has said. The Minister of Maori Affairs, Mr Couch, said that the department would direct its attention to “those Maori families whom the Housing Corporation is unable to assist.” Mr Couch said that the Housing Corporation would be regarded as the primary source of Government finance for all intending homeowners. “These changes will result in an improved housing service for the Maori people so that we can ensure that Maoris will have the same housing opportunities as other New Zealanders,” he said. His department would Crovide an advisory and rokerage service for all Maori people regardless of which organisation actually provided the house or finance. The Government had been considering the housing programme for two years, after a review by the State Services Commission. Some recommendations

would require further consideration, Mr Couch said. The Government might introduce specific measures in a review early next year. Urgent action was needed to house Maori families, said the Eastern Maori member of Parliament, Mr Peter Tapsell. He criticised the Government’s announcement of the new policy, saying it was not sufficient to solve the problem. Mr Tapsell said that a lot more than an advisory and brokerage service was needed. The department should go back into home building with renewed vigour, at least until the present situation improved, Mr Tapsell said.