An Auckland hapū and charitable trust has partnered to launch a transitional housing initiative in Ihumātao for South Auckland youth.

Under the hapū of Ihumātao, Te Ahiwaru Trust has collaborated with the Māori youth organisation Mā Te Huruhuru to establish a new transitional housing base called, ‘He Pā Tupu’, aimed at wāhine Māori with housing insecurities.

Mahera Maihi, CEO of Mā Te Huruhuru said when the opportunity from Te Ahiwaru Trust came with a vacant house that needed filling, her team leapt at the chance.

“He Pā Tupu is more than just housing. This initiative ensures that our young people don’t just survive, they thrive.”

There are around more than 19,000 homeless young people in New Zealand. Māori and Pasifika youth aged 25 years old and under make up more than 60% of that total.