Source: New Zealand Government Kainga Ora
They were recently blessed by local kaikarakia along with another seven homes in nearby Onekawa. The seven homes on Taradale Road are single story, two-bedroom homes and are on a main arterial route, close to schools and workplaces.
Naomi Whitewood Regional Director East North Island says “We are looking forward to welcoming another 19 whānau into new homes in the next couple of weeks. We know that having a warm, dry place to call home can make such a huge difference to people’s lives.
“There is a strong demand for housing in Napier including demand for homes close to the central city. The modern three-storey apartments on Wellesley Road address this need and contribute to future apartment living options in Napier city.
“We take a careful approach to matching homes to whānau requiring a home of that size and location with consideration of the neighbouring community.
In Wellesley Road, the apartments are within walking distance of the central city including supermarkets and health services. This was an important consideration when purchasing the development and matching people to the apartments.
Napier is an area of focus in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development’s Public Housing Plan. It has a significant housing need in relation to population size.
Progress is being made, with 755 people moved into a Kāinga Ora house last year. This includes 261 tamariki who moved into a long-term home from unsuitable housing. “We continue to focus on ensuring our mokopuna have a healthy, long-term place in which to grow.”
In the last four years 221 homes were delivered by Kāinga Ora in Napier and 610 in the wider Hawkes Bay. This includes 15 homes in Onekawa that were completed in December just in time for whanau to move in before Christmas.
Currently another 152 new social houses are planned to be delivered for Kāinga Ora in Napier. Of these, 101 houses are expected to be delivered in 2025, and 51 in 2026.
Page updated: 31 January 2025