Te Puni Kōkiri, the Ministry of Māori Development, has opened a new office in Hastings.
The centre has relocated to Eastbourne St, Hastings, and was officially opened on December 12.
An opening ceremony and pōwhiri were attended by Minister for Māori Development Nanaia Mahuta, Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazelhurst, Chrissie Hape CEO for Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi, local kaumatua and almost 100 members of the local community.
Te Puni Kōkiri aims to "support the aspirations of whānau, hapū, and iwi" through leading and providing advice on policies which significantly impact Māori such as housing, Whenua Māori, te reo Māori, economics and Whānau ora Mere Pohatu regional manager.
The new office has large ideas planned for the area including supporting whānau through the Māori housing network, Whenua and Oranga Marae programmes.