What funding options are available for Māori land housing developments?

The best approach is to explore grants and funding support before seeking bank finance. Several funding options are specifically designed for Māori land developments:

1. Kāinga Ora – Māori Housing Support

Offers grants, technical support, and low-interest loans for whānau, hapū, and iwi developing housing on Māori land:

• Whai Kāinga Whai Oranga Fund – Supports papakāinga developments, infrastructure, and housing projects.
• Capability Building Support – Assists with feasibility studies, planning, and consents.

2. Te Puni Kōkiri – Māori Housing Network

Provides direct financial and advisory support for Māori housing initiatives, including:

• Infrastructure & Feasibility Funding – Helps with planning and development.
• Papakāinga Housing Grants – Contributes to land preparation and building costs.

3. Kāinga Whenua Loans (Kiwibank & Kāinga Ora)

A loan option specifically for Māori trusts and individuals building on Māori land:

• Up to $500,000 per dwelling
• No deposit required (if land security is approved)
• Lower interest rates than standard loans
• Requires a Licence to Occupy or Māori Land Court agreement

4. Māori Land Court – Papakāinga Housing Support

Helps ensure the land structure meets funding criteria through:

• Ahu Whenua Trusts – A common structure for managing Māori land.
• Licences to Occupy & Lease Agreements – Required for funding approval.
• Land Partitioning Support – Makes financing easier.

5. Iwi & Rūnanga Housing Support

Many iwi have dedicated housing funds or government partnerships, such as:

• Ngāi Tahu’s Te Pā Tāhuna Housing Project
• Waikato-Tainui’s Home Ownership Programme
  Check with your iwi or rūnanga for available funding.

6. Private Lending & Investment Partnerships

Some Māori trusts work with private investors or community finance organisations, including:

• Māori Women’s Development Inc. (MWDI) – Provides micro-loans for Māori housing.
• Local Council Initiatives – Some councils offer targeted funding.

Recommended Next Steps:

1. Confirm Land Structure – Ensure you have the correct legal framework (Ahu Whenua Trust or similar).
2. Apply for Māori Housing Grants – Start with Te Puni Kōkiri, Kāinga Ora, and Iwi funding before seeking bank loans.
3. Explore Kāinga Whenua Loans – Consider Kiwibank’s Kāinga Whenua Loan if additional funding is required.
4. Consider Co-Funding Partnerships – Look into iwi partnerships, local council support, or private investors.

For more details, visit the relevant government and iwi websites or seek legal and financial advice.