Māori construction consortium announced

17/07/2020

A construction consortium, Kōkiri Construction, led by Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki Iwi and Downer/Hawkins has formed to deliver social and residential developments at scale.

Kōkiri Construction seeks to work collaboratively through alliances with the Crown and others to develop and deliver much-needed projects and jobs. It will also continue the investment in trade training apprenticeships and tertiary support of Māori after the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Māori representation as head developer and contractor is long overdue and Māori must also strive toward a fully integrated presence across the entire supply chain,” Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki Chairman James Brown stated.

“Kōkiri Construction will be a uniquely Māori-led construction consortium focused on building healthy homes and safe communities for whānau, and delivering economic, training and job outcomes for Māori and many New Zealanders,” Brown said.

Steve Killeen, Downer NZ CEO and Construction Accord member said, "We are really excited for Downer and Hawkins to be part of this as the people involved all share common objectives and we too understand the opportunity this will provide for Māori."

Leaders from Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, Downer/Hawkins and Latham Construction are currently reviewing the range of development challenges confronting NZ communities and are enthusiastic to engage with Māori, Iwi, landowners and education organisations across the country to stimulate and discover local solutions.

CEO of Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, Tama Potaka said, “The right opportunities are those that balance short term housing demands that meet long term whānau needs and working in partnership to produce better delivery efficiencies and enable significant long term benefits for Papatūānuku, housing, health, and jobs.

“This also serves to engage and strengthen Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki whanaungatanga (relationships) with other Iwi, Māori, the Crown, local government and co-investors across the country.”