NATIONAL MĀORI HOUSING CONFERENCE

The National Māori Housing Conference is a pivotal gathering that brings together iwi, government, and community stakeholders to address housing challenges and drive innovative solutions. Originating from a 2010 hui in Rotorua that led to the establishment of Te Matapihi, the conference launched in 2012 at Waitangi and has since become a biennial tradition.

Hosted across Aotearoa, each event highlights Māori housing leadership, showcases best practices, and strengthens partnerships. From funding announcements to Indigenous-led strategies and papakāinga successes, the conference has grown into a powerful platform for advocacy, collaboration, and tangible progress toward better housing outcomes for whānau Māori.

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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. Join us in Waitangi this October for engaging discussions, expert panels, and workshops that inspire action.

“We have done too much not to do more. We have come too far not to go further.” – Tā Hemi Henare

EXCITING NEW ADDITIONS TO THE PROGRAMME

International Indigenous Section

Gain insights from Indigenous housing leaders worldwide, exchanging knowledge and strategies to drive meaningful change. Through keynote speakers, panel discussions, and interactive workshops, attendees will explore successful housing models, policy advancements, and community-led solutions.

Waitangi Housing Expo – Kāinga Street

Kāinga Street 2025 is a hands-on housing expo at the Waitangi sports grounds, featuring on-site houses, interactive stalls, and workshops on financial pathways, whenua Māori, and tenancy management. Hosted by Kaupapa Collective and partners, it offers practical solutions, and expert guidance to help whānau improve their housing journey.

REGISTRATIONS FOR THE 2025 CONFERENCE COMING SOON!

NATIONAL MĀORI HOUSING CONFERENCE ARCHIVES

2023 Conference Hosted by Te Arawa

Te Arawa’s Conference theme was based on the whakataukī “Tukua mai kia piri, tukua mai kia tata”. Meaning - may we come near, may we come close, may we unite in bringing together our experiences of past housing/living. Facing our present circumstances and forging a better future.

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2021 Conference hosted by Ngāti Kahungunu

The theme of providing shelter and a foundation for whānau was developed by Ngahiwi Tomoana, chair of Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated. His concept encourages us to support, build and nurture communities that put people first. Quality, affordable housing is important for whānau. It not only fulfills a basic human need for shelter, but it also contributes to the overall wellbeing of the whānau.

View 2021 NMHC Report
2018 Conference hosted by Waikato-Tainui

The prophetic words of King Taawhiao provided the theme of the Conference:
Maaku anoo e hanga i tooku nei whare. Ko ngaa pou oo roto he maahoe, he paaete. Ko te taahuhu, he hiinau. Me whakatupu ki te hua o te rengarenga. Me whakapakari ki te hua o te kawariki.

View 2018 NMHC Report
2016 Conference hosted by Tauranga Moana

The fourth biennial National Māori Housing Conference 2016 was held at the ASB Baypark Arena, Tauranga and hosted by Tauranga Moana. The theme of the Conference was “Ma whero ma pango ka oti ai te mahi” (Collaboration and Strategic Relationships).

View 2016 NMHC Report
2014 Conference hosted in Whanganui

The Whanganui Iwi Housing Forum and Te Matapihi he tirohanga mō te iwi Trust, in conjunction with Hon Tariana Turia, hosted the 3rd National Māori Housing Conference.
The key focus of the conference is to build the capacity of Māori housing providers and to share Māori housing successes from the Whanganui region and around the motu.
“Whaia te pae tawhiti kia tata, te pae tata, whakamaua, kia tina - Fulfil aspirations by completing what has commenced”

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