The Maori Housing Network is to receive a $12.6 million boost over the next four years helping more whanau to realise their housing aspirations.
Maori Development Minister Te Ururoa Flavell said Maori are over-represented in housing deprivation statistics and the increase in funding would allow the network to help more whanau in need.
"The Maori Housing Network is about ensuring whanau have access to safe, secure and healthy homes which in turn improve their health and wellbeing," he said.
The Maori Housing Network, which was launched last year, provides funding for new homes and housing repairs for whanau. It also works to develop the Maori housing sector in areas of high housing need.
Since last October the Network has helped build 42 affordable rental homes and is supporting housing repairs for around 165 whanau. It is also funding infrastructure (power, water, sewerage system, roading, gas, and telecoms) for social and affordable housing and papakāinga housing on Maori land for 113 whanau.
More than a third of New Zealanders considered to be severely deprived of housing are Maori and ther new operating funding means the Maori Housing Network, operated by Te Puni Kokiri, will have a total of $17.6 million a year for Maori housing projects.
