A push for new and affordable housing is a priority for Matakana Island to accommodate Maori wanting to move back to the island.
The island's recently completed master plan sets out a vision of what tangata whenua would like to achieve for Matakana, while putting constraints on development to preserve its unique lifestyle. It said the median household income for islanders was more than one-third lower than Tauranga and Western Bay households.
"However it is apparent that while the resident tangata whenua might be deprived of economic opportunities, they are rich in culture."
The plan, prepared by the Western Bay District Council in conjunction with the island's hapu and business interests, said 132 of Matakana's 244 residents spoke te reo Maori.
And although current housing on farmland was modest and fitted the island environs, new and affordable housing was a priority. The plan noted the desire of hapu members living on the mainland to move back to the island."