For Meresa and Jone Rabitu, homeownership once felt like a distant dream. Having moved from Fiji 11 years ago, they built their lives in Christchurch, renting while raising their daughter, Paulini. But they always held onto the hope of having a place to truly call their own.
They took their first step by joining financial literacy classes run by Tangata Atumotu Trust (TAT), an initiative funded by the Ministry for Pacific Peoples to empower Pacific families with financial knowledge and tools.
“We learned so much—how to manage debt, how to save, how to work towards a goal. But the journey wasn’t always easy,” says Meresa. “You have to bear some hardships. We almost gave up, but the Trust kept us on track and made sure we realise our dream.”
With support from TAT and Home Foundation’s Progressive Home Ownership scheme, the Rabitus finally achieved what once felt impossible—a four-bedroom home in the Te Pākau Maru development in New Brighton, Christchurch. The Ministry for Pacific Peoples supported this development through the Pacific Building Affordable Homes fund, helping the Home Foundation to build five homes specifically for Pacific families as part of the Te Pākau Maru development.
Home Foundation provides equity to bridge the gap between what families can afford and the full cost of a home, ensuring they can eventually take full ownership.
“Seeing our home and my daughter’s smile makes it all worth it. It’s about more than just owning a house. It’s about our future, our roots, and making sure Paulini has a strong foundation,” says Meresa.
The Rabitus are one of many Pacific families benefiting from the Ministry’s housing initiatives. The Pacific Building Affordable Homes and Our Whare Our Fale programmes are creating quality, affordable homes that meet the needs of Pacific families. Since 2023, 35 homes have been completed across the country.
But the journey to homeownership isn’t just about having a house—it’s about financial independence. The Pacific Financial Capability programme plays a key role, helping over 3,500 Pacific people gain financial knowledge since 2021. To date, 361 have become homeowners, and 36 families have saved their homes from mortgagee sales.
Projects like Te Pākau Maru happen through strong partnerships. The Ministry for Pacific Peoples, Te Pākau Maru, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (through the Affordable Housing Grant scheme), ChristchurchNZ, and the Christchurch City Council—through the New Brighton Master Plan—have all played a role in making homeownership a reality for Pacific families in Christchurch.
For Pacific families still dreaming of homeownership, Meresa has one message: “It is possible.
“Our community has commitments beyond what many understand that may make it hard, like financially supporting our elders back home. But if you stay focused and work with the right support systems, you can achieve your goals.”
The Rabitu family’s journey is a powerful reminder that with the right support, perseverance, and community backing, homeownership is within reach—creating stability, financial security, and a future where Pacific families can thrive.