The New Zealand Defence Force and local iwi Ngāti Rangi have signed an agreement to deliver an initial 50 new homes at Waiouru Military Camp.
Defence Minister Paul Goldsmith said high-quality housing was essential to New Zealand soldiers’ wellbeing, retention and operational effectiveness.
“Our government is committed to fixing the basics, and that means ensuring our sailors, soldiers and aviators and their families have access to warm, safe, dry homes, for modern living,” said Mr Goldsmith.
“This agreement will strengthen the meaningful partnership NZDF has with Ngāti Rangi, and respects the important role the iwi plays in the future of the land.”
The agreement honours commitments made under the Ngāti Rangi Treaty settlement. It involves the sale of buildings and land to Ngāti Rangi, which will then be leased back by the NZDF under a long-term lease arrangement.
Iwi representatives, including Chair of Te Tōtarahoe o Paerangi, Tomairangi Mareikura and Chief of Army Major General Rose King were at the ceremony at Rongomaraeroa o ngā hau e whā (the New Zealand Army National Marae) at Waiouru today.
Major General King said they were not merely executing an agreement, but honouring a commitment made by the Crown and by the New Zealand Defence Force to Ngāti Rangi.
“A commitment arising from the settlement journey and from a shared determination to build a better future together.”
The documents concerned land, homes, leases, and construction, but at the heart of the agreement were people, whakapapa and trust, Major General King said.
“And it is about the enduring relationship between those who hold the stories of this whenua and those who have lived, trained, worked, and served upon it for generations.”
Completion of the homes and development of the surrounding land is expected to be completed by mid-2028.
Under the Homes for Families programme, the NZDF is progressing additional new homes at military camps and bases in Devonport, Wellington, Whenuapai, Christchurch and Manawatū.
