Partnering with Toitū Tairāwhiti Housing

We are working with Toitū Tairāwhiti Housing to address skills gaps in the construction of papakāinga developments in areas affected by Cyclone Gabrielle. Toitū Tairāwhiti Housing is made up of the four iwi of Te Tairāwhiti: Ngāti Porou, Rongowhakaata, Ngai Tāmanuhiri, and Te Aitanga a Mahaki. The group formed in 2020 in response to the outbreak of COVID-19 in Aotearoa and has broadened its remit to include providing affordable housing for low-income families.

The destruction of Cyclone Gabrielle has had a huge impact on local housing & infrastructure. Recognising this need, Toitū Tairāwhiti Housing has added another 150-home build to an already busy building programme. Priority has given way for the emergency buildings to help displaced whanau in the Tairāwhiti rohe. These buildings on papakāinga are more than just physical structures; the kāinga (homes) also reflect a whānau support system. They provide opportunities for whānau to strengthen connections between generations, reinforce cultural and spiritual identities, and revitalise te reo Māori.

There are more housing shortages across the motu. Toitū Tairāwhiti Housing needs more skilled people to help deliver this project. We are committed to meeting industry workforce needs, to ensure the skills to build. We have built a strong relationship with Toitū Tairawhiti Housing through brokerage, advice, and assistance. Our qualifications team are investigating ways in which we can address skills needs and gaps. The qualifications arising from this partnership will benefit all construction and infrastructure projects in Aotearoa.

We have kaimahi engaged in Māori-Workforce Development Planning delivered by our Strategy and Insights team. This project involves conducting interviews and gathering data and insights towards Māori business, iwi and hapū outcomes towards the C&I industry.