Leggett, M. J.
Housing Need Planning & Design
Unpublished Research Study, University of Auckland, ,
1988
In his report examining the effectiveness of planning in meeting the housing needs of rural Māori, Leggett highlights a lack of motivation among councils to proactively address these needs unless there is explicit demand from individuals.
The author points out that many in need of housing assistance are either unaware of the available support or believe they do not qualify for such help. Leggett observes that both councils and government service providers tend to respond to crises instead of taking proactive measures to prevent issues from escalating. He cites the Rural Housing Programme, initiated in response to a tragic house fire that resulted in the death of three children, as an example of this reactive approach. Furthermore, Leggett notes that while councils do have policies in place for the development of Māori land, these policies are often inadequate. He specifically mentions that district plans provide limited options for Māori landowners, offering “very little, with no right to build or rebuild on tribal sites.” This highlights a significant gap in policy that hinders the development of culturally and historically significant land. The report also points out that local councils and government departments have been struggling to adapt to the evolving housing trends, adding another layer of complexity to the challenges faced by the Māori community in securing adequate housing. This struggle signifies a broader issue of bureaucratic lag in addressing the dynamic and specific housing needs of the Māori.
