May 16th 2012

New collaboration secures funding to build affordable homes for Pacific families

Today the Hon Phil Heatley, Minister of Housing announced that a collaboration involving the Auckland Manukau Tongan Methodist Parish is to receive $4.3 million of funding from the Social Housing Unit (Growth Fund) for its Matanikolo Housing Project in Mangere, South Auckland.

The Matanikolo Housing Project targets Pacific families who are currently living in crowded, unhealthy, or unsuitable accommodation. The development receiving funding is the first of three project phases designed for 6.4 acres of church land in Mangere, South Auckland. The first phase will deliver 22 healthy modern affordable homes to the people of Mangere.

The consortium delivering this project is made up of

• The Auckland Manukau Tongan Methodist Parish
• Methodist Church of New Zealand – te Haahi Weteriana O Aotearoa
• Airedale Property Trust
• Lifewise

Bruce Stone, General Manager of the Airedale Property Trust, comments “The Tongan Methodist (Lotofale’ia) Church of Mangere is part of the local community. They had the foresight and vision to develop these houses. The other partners are bringing additional skills and expertise to help make their vision a reality”.

“The Airedale Property Trust, with its building development and management expertise, will project manage the development, which is due to begin this July. Lifewise will bring its expertise as a social development agency to the project.”

Rev Goll Manukia acknowledges that “For 8 years the Tongan Methodist Church of Mangere has looked after their land and dreamed of it providing a vibrant community where parents are supported to raise families that will contribute positively to society and where children can raise their heads and be proud to call it home. Now we have that opportunity.”

ENDS

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