Independent panel approves Canterbury housing project
The first Papakāinga housing development considered under the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-Track Consenting) Act 2020 has been approved.
The Rāpaki Papakāinga Development involves the construction of 10 residential units and a shared-use community building, at Rāpaki on Lyttelton Harbour. It is intended that kaumatua and kuia (elders) will live in the units, allowing them to reside close to Te Wheke Marae, ancestral urupā, and whānau.
The application was lodged on behalf of Te Mahi Korowai Trust, a not-for-profit housing entity.
An expert consenting panel has approved the application with conditions.
Papakāinga translates as "original home, home base, village, communal Māori land". Rāpaki is one of several papakāinga projects listed in the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-Track Consenting) Act 2020. The others are yet to be formally initiated.
The Environmental Protection Authority provides advice and administrative support for the Panel Convener and expert consenting panels, which are appointed by the Convener. It is not involved in the decision-making.