• While Taranaki has sufficient land, many people still struggle to access housing that suits their needs. The Fund supports projects that increase housing choice, improve affordability and create more pathways into secure housing.

  • Research and regional housing planning have identified ongoing demand for housing options that are currently under-supplied across Taranaki. This includes:

    • Smaller homes

    • More affordable housing options

    • Alternative ownership and tenure models

    • Papakāinga developments

    • Housing that supports ageing in place

    The Fund has been established to help support projects that address these identified housing needs.

  • Housing typology refers to the types of homes available, such as one-bedroom, two-bedroom, accessible, multi-generational or medium-density housing. Housing tenure refers to the way people access housing, including renting, home ownership, shared equity, rent-to-buy arrangements and other alternative ownership models.
    The Fund aims to support a wider range of both housing types and housing pathways.

  • Unlike a grant fund, the Fund invests capital rather than simply distributing it. Where appropriate, capital can be recycled and reinvested into future housing projects, helping create lasting impact over time.

  • The Taranaki Housing Initiative Trust focuses on housing strategy, advocacy and sector leadership. The Taranaki Regional Housing Fund focuses on investment, helping unlock projects through capital and investment structures.

  • The Fund supports projects that improve housing choice, affordability and accessibility across Taranaki. Benefits may extend to first-home buyers, renters, older people and kaumātua, people with diabilities, whānau pursuing papakāinga development, and others facing housing barriers.

  • No. The Fund is not a developer. Its role is to invest in and support projects delivered by iwi, housing providers, developers, community organisations and other partners.

  • The Fund is intended to work alongside a range of partners, including:

    • Community housing providers

    • Social housing providers

    • Iwi and Māori organisations

    • Councils and council-controlled organisations

    • Developers and landowners

    • Not-for-profit organisations

    • Impact investors and philanthropic investors

    Partnerships will be central to achieving the Fund's objectives.

  • Projects will vary. Each opportunity will be assessed against both impact and investment criteria. Visit ABOUT THE FUND for information on what the Fund aims to achieve. Here we discuss the types of projects we will focus on to deliver impact for Taranaki communities.

  • Projects will be assessed against both impact and investment criteria. You can find out more about our criteria and what we look for in projects on our HOW IT WORKS page.

  • Yes. The Fund recognises the importance of supporting Māori housing aspirations, including papakāinga developments and other housing initiatives that strengthen whānau, hapū and iwi connections to whenua and community.

  • The goal is to provide flexible capital that helps make viable projects possible. The Fund may use a range of investment approaches depending on the project and desired outcomes. These may include:

    • Loans and development finance

    • Equity investment

    • Shared equity arrangements

    • Partnership investment structures

    • Other innovative housing finance models

  • The Fund seeks to achieve both. Projects must deliver meaningful housing outcomes while meeting appropriate investment and financial requirements.

  • The Fund focuses exclusively on housing projects within Taranaki. Investment decisions are guided by identified regional housing needs, the potential for positive housing impact, and the Fund's investment objectives. Some investors may choose to direct their investment toward particular communities, locations or housing priorities within the region, where this aligns with the Fund's purpose and governance framework.

  • The Fund operates through a Limited Partnership structure with an independent Fund Board responsible for governance and investment oversight. Specialist investment, impact and administrative expertise support the Board's decision-making.

  • Success is about more than the number of houses built. The Fund considers outcomes such as housing choice, affordability, equity, alternative ownership pathways, Māori housing aspirations and the long-term sustainability of the Fund's capital. View our IMPACT FRAMEWORK for more detail.

  • Yes. Central government provides a range of housing programmes, funding mechanisms and support initiatives through agencies such as Kāinga Ora, Te Tūāpapa Kura Kāinga – Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, and other government partners.
    However, housing challenges and opportunities vary from region to region. The Taranaki Regional Housing Fund has been established to respond specifically to Taranaki's housing needs, working alongside existing funding sources to help unlock opportunities, attract investment and support housing solutions that might not otherwise proceed.

  • Yes. Similar impact investment and housing funds are emerging across New Zealand. The Taranaki Regional Housing Fund has been designed specifically for local needs while drawing on lessons from comparable initiatives.

  • Housing has been identified as a key factor in the long-term wellbeing of Taranaki communities. Toi Foundation is helping establish the Fund as part of its commitment to supporting positive social, environmental and economic outcomes across the region.

Regional Housing Strategy

How it Works

Our Story