AOTEAROA NATIONAL MĀORI HOUSING CONFERENCE
A BIENNIAL EVENT HELD THROUGHOUT THE REGIONS
The History of the National Māori Housing Conference
The National Māori Housing Conference is a cornerstone of Māori housing advocacy. It unites iwi, government, and community stakeholders to tackle housing challenges and share innovative solutions. Since its inception, it has been a platform for collaboration, reflection, and progress, fostering a shared vision of better housing outcomes for whānau Māori.
The journey began in 2010 when a hui at Tamatekapua Whare Tūpuna on Te Papa-ī-Ōuru Marae in Rotorua mandated the establishment of Te Matapihi He Tirohanga Mō Te Iwi Charitable Trust. Officially launched at the first National Māori Housing Conference in Waitangi in 2012, Te Matapihi became the national peak body for Māori housing, advocating for whānau Māori and acting as a conduit between Māori and the Crown.
This biennial conference has grown into a vital tradition, hosted across Aotearoa with unique themes and milestones:
2014 (Whanganui): A platform for housing showcases and Tariana Turia’s $16M rural housing funding announcement.
2016 (Tauranga-Moana): Focused on Māori housing strategies and Indigenous perspectives, drawing 300+ attendees.
2018 (Waikato-Tainui): Centred on resilience and rebuilding, with over 400 attendees engaging in transformative kōrero.
2021 (Ngāti Kahungunu): Highlighted papakāinga successes and Māori-led solutions despite COVID-19 challenges.
2023 (Ngāti Whakaūe, Te Arawa): With 800 attendees, it marked a return to Rotorua and celebrated Te Matapihi’s roots.
Through the years, the conference has showcased best practices, advocated for funding, and strengthened partnerships. It celebrates Māori leadership and innovation while providing a space to reflect on achievements and co-create solutions for the future.
The 2025 National Māori Housing Conference returns to its origins in Waitangi.
Hosted by Ngāpuhi from Monday, October 20th, to Thursday, October 24th. Ngāpuhi invites you to explore the kaupapa of KOTAHITANGA—unity in Māori leadership, innovation, and collaboration—as a mechanism for co-creating transformative solutions for the future of Māori housing.
Exciting Additions to the Programme:
International Indigenous Section: Gain insights from Indigenous housing leaders worldwide, exchanging knowledge and strategies for meaningful impact.
Waitangi Housing Expo – Kāinga Street (dates and more information to come): A showcase of housing innovations, practical solutions, and inspirational projects shaping the future of Māori housing.
Join us in Waitangi this October for engaging discussions, expert panels, and workshops that inspire action. Starting in February, programme updates, registration, and accommodation details will be available.
“We have done too much not to do more. We have come too far not to go further.” – Tā Hemi Henare
NATIONAL MĀORI HOUSING CONFERENCE 2025
Stay tuned for updates on the programme, registrations and sponsorship options.
NATIONAL MĀORI HOUSING CONFERENCE ARCHIVES
