'It goes beyond just a home’: Why OWN IT is helping Māori and Pasifika families make homeownership a reality

For many Māori and Pasifika families, the dream of homeownership can feel just out of reach. But through Tāmaki Regeneration's OWN IT programme, that narrative is changing — with over 80% of its homeowners being Māori and Pasifika whānau, the programme is seeing real transformation, one family at a time.

Afoa Tevita Malolo, who works closely with whānau as part of the OWN IT team, says it’s their grounded approach that sets the programme apart.

“Our team are hands-on when supporting whānau to navigate the process and journey, and hold a deep understanding of this complex space,” says Malolo. “Our team are out on the ground in communities meeting people, and thus understand the barriers many Māori and Pasifika whānau experience in the housing market.”

Practical support to navigate the journey

With housing unaffordable for many despite years of savings, OWN IT offers real, practical support.

“OWN IT provides a range of support for whānau to navigate the journey towards homeownership,” says Malolo.

Household advisors are available to guide people through the application process and continue supporting them as they work through complex bank and legal requirements.

OWN IT’s free financial capability programme is also a key part of the journey. Designed with busy families in mind, the four-week online workshop series runs in the evenings and covers everything from how affordable home ownership works to compound interest and savings strategies.

“Whānau who engage in the workshops programme can also take up our mentoring offering – practical and supportive one-on-one sessions with our financial facilitators to have a deeper review of household finances, as whānau work on improving their financial position,” he says.

He adds that the workshops help break down long-held myths that have discouraged families for generations:
“Many whānau report that the workshops gave them the clarity they needed on their household finances, and they were often better placed than they first thought to make the changes needed to reach their financial goals.”

Tailored for big families

OWN IT’s pathways are also tailored to suit the realities of larger and multigenerational households.

“For our standard Co-Own It pathway, whānau need to have a combined household income of $85,000 - $150,000. The income threshold is higher for multigenerational whānau (up to $205,000), who may have multiple streams of income coming into the household,” Malolo explains.

Multigenerational households are defined as either two or more family units living together or six or more individuals under one roof.

“This pathway provides a more affordable entry point, particularly for the larger typologies that meet their needs,” he says.

From renters to homeowners

The impact is already being felt.

“For many whānau, purchasing their first home through OWN IT has been an affirmation of the hard work and dedication they have poured into achieving their aspirations,” says Malolo. “Stepping into their place has instilled positive habits and a sense of pride that is palpable for their young children.”

More than just gaining a home, families are freed from the instability of renting or boarding, where unpredictable market conditions often hinder saving and create ongoing stress.

“Buying their first home in Tāmaki has been life-changing for whānau since they can place permanent roots into their local community – they can continue enriching Tāmaki, its town centres, its schools and churches, its marae, its culture and environment. Building legacies, intergenerational wealth, prosperous futures for their children and grandchildren.”

A message to whānau who think it’s not possible

To families in public housing or renting privately who feel homeownership will never happen for them, Malolo has a clear message: it is possible.

“15% of our whānau have transitioned from public housing into shared homeownership – one of these whānau have now achieved 100% ownership, a massive achievement,” he says.

“These whānau have told us that embarking on the journey has been scary, but the programme has provided the motivating support needed with encouragement and zero judgment.”

He adds that even for those renting or living with extended family, the combination of tailored support and financial tools makes all the difference:
“Whānau are able to identify the areas they need to make changes in, and have the confidence to remain steadfast even when economic conditions are shifting and uncertain.”

With 117 families already in their first homes and another 250 on the way, OWN IT is providing a path forward for whānau ready to take the leap.

“For whānau who have aspirations to buy their first home in the beautiful community of Tāmaki, completing their registration is the first step in the journey, and our team is ready to support them with the next steps.”