16 November 2004
International housing award for Bay of Plenty group
A Bay of Plenty community trust has won international praise for its innovative work providing housing and employment
for local people.
The Te Mahoe Village Trust has been awarded a 2004 Australasian Housing Institute Excellence in Social Housing Award,
which will be officially presented to the Trust in Melbourne tomorrow. Housing Minister Steve Maharey said the Trust's
passion and vision has resolved a housing crisis and created social and economic benefits for the community.
“Faced with the prospect of losing their jobs and their homes after an upgrade to the Matahina Dam, the community took
the initiative to establish a charitable trust to buy the housing used by dam workers and provide employment
opportunities,” Steve Maharey said.
“Te Mahoe Village Trust has insulated houses in their village, opened a community-owned convenience store and backpacker
accommodation creating employment and tourism opportunities, and supported residents into home ownership by helping them
save for a deposit. They have developed robust business and financial expertise and become successful property owners.
"The Trust's work has enabled the village to remain a community in the truest sense. Their vision for the future and
their wish for resident participation has created a strong community spirit and has contributed to social cohesion.”
The Trust is led by William "Bill" Scott, Manuhiria Ngatai and Suzanna Beamsley. It received support from numerous
agencies including Housing New Zealand Corporation, Te Puni Kokiri, the Department of Labour’s Community Employment
Group, Department of Internal Affairs’ Community Development Group, Opus International and Tenancy Services.
ENDS