23 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2162 views
The Government has approved a $17 million partnership with Ngāti Maniapoto to build 40 affordable rental homes in Te Kūiti, addressing high housing need in the area where over a third of residents rent. The development, named Te Kirikiri, will feature a mix of two, three, and four-bedroom homes to cater to various whānau needs, incorporating tikanga Māori and kaupapa-led design principles. This initiative is part of a larger $200 million commitment to accelerate Māori housing projects nationwide and provide 400 affordable rentals in high-need areas by 2027, supporting Ngāti Maniapoto's goal of housing 200 whānau by 2030.
23 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2206 views
The Government released the latest Homelessness Insights Report, addressing the issue of homelessness in New Zealand and the increasing numbers of people without shelter. Housing Minister Chris Bishop and Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka emphasized the need for targeted interventions and support services to combat homelessness, highlighting the complexity of the issue and the importance of engaging with frontline organizations. The Government is committed to long-term solutions, including reforms in the housing market, infrastructure funding, and social housing systems to address the root causes of homelessness and provide stable housing for all New Zealanders.
10 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2020 views
A significant boost in the number of people booking bednights along the country’s Great Walks is a good sign for conservation tourism and local businesses, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says. Opening day bookings for each of the Great Walks were up by over 10,000 bednights compared to last year, totalling more than 140,000 bednights and bringing in more than $9 million to the Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai, says Mr Potaka. “Booking system upgrades - including a new online lobby - successfully processed a peak of nearly 12,000 people waiting to book the Milford when it opened on 28 May in an hour.
08 Jul 2025
1 year ago
1999 views
A targeted effort to reduce the backlog of applications for use of conservation land is accelerating economic growth without compromising conservation values, says Conservation Minister Tama Potaka. “Over the years, decision makers at the Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai became wrapped and trapped in a sticky ball of red tape unnecessarily slowing the success of tourism operators, researchers, major infrastructure project developers, among many others. “The department is doing a great job delivering on my expectation to crack on with the mahi.
04 Jul 2025
1 year ago
1900 views
Toitū te marae a Tāne-Mahuta me Hineahuone, Toitū te marae a Tangaroa me Hinemoana, Toitū te tangata. Significant investment into supporting native species and tackling invasive pests in national parks has been announced by Conservation Minister Tama Potaka. Mr Potaka visited the Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust facility near Christchurch today, where he announced $22 million from the International Visitor Levy will go to restoring unique wildlife in national parks, islands and other popular visitor sites over the next three years.
30 Jun 2025
1 year ago
2438 views
New Zealanders will soon benefit from strengthened Whānau Ora support services with a renewed focus on those in greatest need, Whānau Ora Minister Tama Potaka says. Four new Whānau Ora commissioning agencies - Rangitāmiro, Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira, Te Tauraki (a subsidiary of Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu), and the Cause Collective (operating as The Tātou Collective) - will begin commissioning services from providers starting 1 July. Mr Potaka attended the launch event for Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira’s Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency at Hongoeka Marae in Plimmerton this morning.
20 Jun 2025
1 year ago
2642 views
The Government is recognising Matariki at the official ceremony near Ohakune today, Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Paul Goldsmith and Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka say. “We are honoured to be guests of Ngāti Rangi for this traditional hautapu ceremony,” Mr Goldsmith says. “This is the fourth national Matariki broadcast but the first time it has been hosted by a marae, and the first year Puanga is the star of national celebrations.
19 Jun 2025
1 year ago
2228 views
A $750,000 investment into Iwi and community led biodiversity protection at Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park will benefit the environment and sustainable tourism, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says. “We’re backing much-needed protection for one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most unique conservation parks and southern-most kauri habitats through work to eradicate destructive wild goats, contributing to a healthier and scenic visitor experience near Tauranga,” Mr Potaka says. “Browsing animals, like wild goats affect forest regeneration significantly, and are considered a potential spreader of kauri dieback through soil they carry.