Te Matapihi delegation returns from India housing and technology mission

A delegation from Te Matapihi, the national body for Māori housing advocacy, has recently returned from a strategic mission to India to explore new frontiers in housing, technology, and innovation. The visit was aimed at broadening perspectives on how global advancements can be applied to Māori housing initiatives in Aotearoa New Zealand. The group, consisting of eight members, met with a diverse range of Indian housing experts, technology firms, universities, and government corporations. According to a report from Waatea News on 14 September 2026, the mission sought to identify new methods and creative solutions that could be adapted to meet the specific needs of Māori communities. Nanaia Mahuta, serving in her capacity as the Co-Chair (Tumuaki Takirua) of Te Matapihi, provided insights into the significance of the trip. The engagement with Indian state-led and private sectors was designed to look at how different scales of infrastructure and housing models could inform future developments at home. The visit highlights a growing focus for Te Matapihi on international collaboration to address domestic housing challenges. By observing India's technological approaches and urban development strategies, the delegation aims to bring back practical knowledge to support whānau and hapū in their housing aspirations. The mission reflects an ongoing commitment to fostering international Indigenous connections and cross-border learning for the benefit of Māori housing outcomes.