Jill Needham JP

Huge congratulations to Te Tohu o Te Ora o Ngāti Awa and in particular to Enid Ratahi-Pryor for having the foresight to build Kainga Māori.

What a fantastic concept. To also have “wrap-around” services for families in need is totally amazing.

From my long involvement in real estate, I understand how working families so often need a “hand up” to get onto the first rung of the real estate ladder and off the rental road to nowhere.

It was also exciting to see a fantastic skills programme leading to work.

Perhaps a driver’s licence course could be added as it seems as if this is often a huge hurdle for young people trying to get a job.

Imagine if this concept was repeated on every marae in New Zealand. Wow.

We need good news stories in our little piece of paradise.

Well done.