An innovative housing development based on Māori cultural principles is planned for Invercargill.
The development, Te Kāwai, is a Te Pare Kauika Ltd project, a group formed to promote whānau-led solutions for the Southland community.
During the public forum of the Invercargill City Council meeting earlier this week Te Kāwai Trust members Vanessa Hutchins, Martin Conway and Janice Lee explained the vision of the project to councillors.
Ms Hutchins said the aim of the project was to provide supported housing for kaumātua (elderly people) and tangata whaikaha (disabled people).
Māori principles of manaakititanga (care for others), whanaungatanga (family) and tino rangatiratanga (self determination) were core to the project.
"We aspire to build a safe and inclusive culturally rich environment that offers companionship, dignity and assisted independence where residents feel connected not only to each other but to the whenua and the community."
The development is expected to provide accommodation for up to 40 residents: 10 three-bedroom, shared homes for tangata whaikaha, two two-bedroom whānau accommodation, and 10 two-bedroom homes for kaumātua.
Other facilities, including a community centre with whānau spaces, kitchen, and administration office, are part of the development.
It was proposed the development would be sited at Newfield Park, a crown reserve which the council had earmarked for disposal in 2013.
Ms Lee said the development would be a good place for people who needed to leave their own homes but were not ready for a rest-home.
Invercargill was known for its innovation.
"We kind of see it as a pilot that could be rolled out elsewhere."
During the question time Mayor Nobby Clark asked who would fund the $14.4 million project.
Ms Hutchins said the trust was working with various groups to explore how the funds could be raised.
Mr Clark said Kai Tahu had first right of refusal if the land was put up for sale but there was no allowance in the budget for the trust to buy the land.
Ms Hutchins said the group was in discussion with Kai Tahu about a possible partnership but it was too early in the process to say how much was needed to buy the land.
Council mana whenua representative Pania Coote said the concept was amazing.
"It’s a needed place within our city and I just think having a tikanga type model of care is important because it is inclusive and it does treat the person as a whole."
