Category: Houses

Our assessment process, which is being carried out in stages, involves looking at:

• The locations where we are trying to deliver more homes, or where renewal of older homes is a high priority,
• The costs and plans of the proposed projects and checking they still stack up financially and that there are not better options for using the site.

Over the two years to 30 June 2026, Kāinga Ora will be adding 2,650 additional homes to the state housing stock and renewing almost 3,000 other state homes. We want to make sure we are getting best value for money from our projects so we can deliver social housing in the areas where it is most needed.

Initially our priority was to ensure we met our social housing delivery targets for this financial year, so the first stage of our assessment process focused on proposed projects with the potential to be delivered before 30 June 2025.

That first stage is now complete. We have now moved onto the second stage, which involves reviewing all proposed projects for our 2025/2026 build programmes.

As part of this second stage, we will take another look at projects not selected to proceed in the first assessment stage, so it is still possible some of those projects will proceed.

We expect to complete the second stage of our assessment around the middle of 2025. At that point we will be able to say which projects are going ahead and which are being cancelled.

Some sites may need to wait for future decisions on our build programme beyond the 2026 financial year.

If we are not going to proceed with a planned development, where possible we will bring existing homes on sites back into our letting pool.

As decisions are made on projects, we will inform our partners and the community.

More information

Page updated: 19 December 2024

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The Kāinga Ora customer moved into his one-bedroom home in September and has been very quick to get involved in community life ever since.

“The staff needed someone to be Santa at our apartment complex Christmas party. I thought ‘well someone has to volunteer’. It was a privilege. I love Christmas.”

Leo is loving life in his apartment home, which is nearly brand-new and has come with a ready-made community.

“The people are really nice. I settled in really well. It took a bit of an adjustment to get used to being in an apartment, but with the help of my family, I was able to downsize and now I just love it here.

“You have your space – you are well looked after. It is easier to maintain your home. I can take the bus from just outside and there are lots of opportunities to get involved.”

Already Leo has joined the Residents’ Group and been actively involved in managing the complex’s communal gardens. With support from Kāinga Ora staff, Leo and a neighbour recently planted kumara and potatoes, which they water daily. The harvest will be ready to pick early next year.

Previously Leo was living in a private rental which required a lot of work to maintain and keep tidy, so he was thrilled to discover he finally had a Kāinga Ora home.

“I was so overjoyed when I got the call to say I had this place. I couldn’t wait to move in.”

Recently Leo put up his Christmas tree and will likely spend Christmas Day with his sisters – after having carried out his most important duties in the famous red suit.

“I put on the costume and I was ready to go!” 

Page updated: 19 December 2024

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The drone pilot kicked off in late October as part of our roof replacement programme, which focuses on re-roofing older Kāinga Ora houses, significantly extending the life of the home.

The pilot is offering a completely new approach to how we deliver this important work.

Karen Jacobs, Manager Planned Programmes, explains. “We currently plan re-roofing based on lifecycle estimates — the number of years a certain type of roof can be expected to last before it needs replacing. The drone footage means we can better design tailored solutions rather than a full roof replacement.”

It’s one example in a wider Kāinga Ora effort to transform how we look after our homes, delivering work more efficiently, cost-effectively and with better outcomes for our homes and tenants.

The main benefit is delivering the right work based on the condition of the roof. It’s also achieving significant savings.

Out of 309 roofs reviewed to 16 December, only 46 have been assessed as needing re-roofing and 77 need minor work. The remainder have been assessed as needing no work at this time, which is a cost saving of over $5.7m. That money can be allocated to other important work.

Karen says it’s the level of detail offered by drone footage that is making all the difference.

“Usually, our contractors will visit the home, physically inspect the roof and gutters and take photographs of problem areas. That’s a time-consuming exercise, and while the photos are helpful for later analysis, they can’t give you the full picture,” says Karen.

“With the drone footage, you get an entirely different perspective. You can see the whole roof in one shot and the software allows you to zoom right in and see if the screws and nails are rusted. We can go down into the gutters, see if they’re cracked, if brackets are missing. The image quality is so high. It’s brilliant.”

If a home is also due for a repaint or work is needed on the cladding, the drone will capture detailed footage of the home’s exterior walls, too.

Privacy is top of mind. Our tenants know the day and time we will arrive, and the drone is usually in the air for around two minutes, only capturing detail needed for the assessments.

The video footage is reviewed by our roofing team who have many years of on-the-ground experience inspecting homes. From their desk they can translate what they are seeing on screen into a detailed assessment and roof upgrade plan for the home, leaving nothing out.

“This is a great example of how a small change can deliver big results,” says Karen. “This is work delivered in a much more efficient and financially sustainable way, without compromising our commitment to warm, dry and healthy homes.”

The drone pilot will conclude in mid-February next year. A full review including whether drones will become a regular tool in Kāinga Ora maintenance programmes, will be completed after that.  

Page updated: 18 December 2024

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We teamed up with over a dozen schools in the Taranaki, Whanganui and Manawatū region to engage students in creating Christmas cards for their local community.

Our customers Cathy and Sue from New Plymouth were both thrilled to receive a special Christmas card. “This feels like an early Christmas for us. It is such an honour that local school students used their creativity and time to create this, and the cards are now sitting prominently on our kitchen tables. It makes us smile when we look at them.”

Our staff also delivered a Christmas card to the Department of Conservation (DOC) office in Palmerston North who are the neighbours of the almost completed 50 homes-development in North Street.

The idea for this initiative came from the Community Engagement and Partnerships team in the region.

“We are always looking for ways to partner and bring our communities together to foster a sense of connection, warmth, and belonging,” says team manager Renee Regal.

“With Christmas approaching, we wanted to do something meaningful to show our customers and neighbours that they are part of a larger, caring community. Many whānau or individuals who receive a Christmas card may be alone for Christmas or may not receive a Christmas greeting otherwise.”

One of the schools participating is Carlton School in Whanganui and all students enjoyed being creative while making their Christmas cards.

“The Year 3 and 4 class were motivated, engaged, and excited to give back to their communities,” says teacher Holly Zorn. “It was lovely to see and hear them being empathic, and they produced some awesome cards as a result. It’s definitely something I’d be keen to do with my class again!”

Parkland School in Palmerston North was also thrilled to be part of this initiative.

“We saw this as a beautiful opportunity for real purposeful consideration of others (one of our school values) and promoting kindness amongst our community,” says Principal Sonia Mudgway.

“Children of all ages across the school volunteered to make cards and wrote meaningful messages of hope and love to brighten the receiver’s day. Our staff were keen to support this great initiative and saw it as a real-life way for our children to think of others, not just themselves, at this time of year.”

“We would like to thank everyone who helped create and distribute the Christmas cards, spreading joy and fostering a sense of connection during the holiday season,” says Renee.

Page updated: 17 December 2024

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Kāinga Ora recently delivered new state homes in the city, including in Tamariki Lane (12 homes), Manchester Street (6 homes) and Wharenui Terrace/Rangiora Avenue (14 homes). Renovations were also completed on 24 apartments at Brentwood Avenue to make the homes warmer, drier and healthier.

Raewyn manages the local team responsible for matching people from the Ministry of Social Development’s (MSD) Housing Register with the new homes. Each match is made carefully and involves multiple pre-housing conversations with applicants, to understand their specific needs, supports and existing community connections. All so the team can make the right housing match.

“We’ve been working hard to move as many families as possible into the new homes before Christmas. It is rewarding to know that more tamariki now have a stable home, feel safe and don’t have to worry about where they will be sleeping.”

Most whānau who have moved into the new homes in Palmerston North have come from the MSD Housing Register. Some also came from emergency housing motels and transitional housing.

Raewyn says one of the customers who moved into a new home at Tamariki Lane has already made beautiful connections with her neighbours and is helping to do groceries for some of the older people around her.

“They are so happy with their new home and feel it is perfect for them. Now they can have friends and family come over for a visit, where before, they were the ones doing the visiting because they didn’t have permanent accommodation.”

Raewyn says the stable home Kāinga Ora provides, gives customers more than just a roof over their head – it’s a place customers can truly call home, rather than a transition or short-term stay.

“These new homes help whānau feel secure because they don’t need to move again. They can make it their home for as long as they need it, make connections with their neighbours and communities, and build their lives around it.”

“I have been with Kāinga Ora for almost 24 years and have had many opportunities within the organisation. This role is my favourite, because it is about providing a home for our most vulnerable people. I care deeply about people, and I get so much pleasure knowing I have been able to help someone into a home.”

“I wish the whānau who have just moved into our homes in Palmerston North a Merry Christmas and a wonderful start to this new chapter in their lives,” ends Raewyn.

Page updated: 3 December 2024

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Since August, nearly 50 residents have been coming together in their community room, made possible by a pilot programme setup by Kāinga Ora, Vaka Tautua(external link) and Auckland Council.

The collaboration means these regular meetups not only encourage connection but also enable customers to access healthcare, social support and resources that improve their quality of life.

The pilot has demonstrated the value of our communal spaces in bringing residents together and connecting them to the wider community and the range of services available to them.

Annie has lived in her Kāinga Ora home for nine years and the gatherings have brought a refreshing sense of community into her life, allowing her to build new friendships with neighbours she once barely knew. Now, her days often include a spontaneous lunch or tea date.

“Because I’m one of the locals here, I decided I would come. It’s been great meeting other ones from around here but also the services that have been on offer.”

“What I like is that they (the organisers) ask us what things we’d like to do and then they incorporate it,” Annie explained.

Whether it’s your first time attending or you’re a regular, Annie says there’s always a core group that are ready to step in and help.

“Everyone always makes sure to introduce themselves, so no one is left out—I hate people being left out!”

Vaka Tautua National Manager Operations Pania Schwenke says the pilot has been a great success. “Our health and wellbeing day brought together a wonderful team of doctors, nurses, and community services, all dedicated to empowering Kāinga Ora residents with the knowledge and tools to live healthier, happier lives.”

“From informative talks on the importance of a balanced diet and practical services like blood pressure checks and medic alarms, it was a day that highlighted the importance of proactive health care and community support,” Pania says.

Kāinga Ora provides community rooms for residents living in an apartment complex or in housing designated for older people. These rooms are used for various activities that residents lead, or in this case are facilitated by local groups, services and agencies.

Claire Baldwin, Community Engagement & Partnerships Manager says collaborations like these provide great connection for customers.

“It’s important for us to partner with those in the community that are working with our customers. We partner with local community groups who can bring out the best in our customers, enabling them to thrive.”

“What we see in our customers is they meet each other, they connect and that can be enduring for a longer time outside of a one-time event,” Claire adds.

Page updated: 29 November 2024

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This month marks five years since Kāinga Ora and Fire and Emergency developed a partnership agreement, more formally known as a ‘Memorandum of Understanding, or MOU. It guides how both agencies will work closely and collaboratively on ways to keep our customers and homes safe from fire.

Grant McNeil, Manager Compliance at Kāinga Ora explains why the partnership is so important.

“Kāinga Ora and Fire and Emergency share the same goals – to do whatever we can to prevent house fires occurring in the first place, and to reduce harm to people and property when fires do occur. Our partnership means we work closely on important topics from fire safety design in Kāinga Ora homes and complexes, to risk reduction activities and helpful resources for our customers, through to supporting each other to investigate fires that do happen. It’s an important relationship.”

Pete Gallagher, Risk Reduction and Investigations Manager at Fire and Emergency New Zealand, echoes this.

“Over the last five years we’ve really grown our understanding of the impact a fire can have on smaller communities and how the design of housing developments can impact the work of Fire and Emergency in emergencies. This kind of collaboration can speed up our response and recovery operations and literally save lives,” says Pete.

Manaakitanga – people at the heart

Earlier this year, staff from Kāinga Ora, Fire and Emergency and engineering firm Beca met to discuss the connections between housing design, fire risk and emergency response.

“As urban intensification increases, collaboration across government agencies, local government and Fire and Emergency is vital,” says Grant. “Together we can develop better functioning, safer urban environments.”

“The workshop really underscored the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing fire safety challenges. Getting together in the same room means we can share scenarios, research, current work and goals, with real and meaningful outcomes.”

Delivering the hard messages

Engaging with communities and stakeholders to raise awareness about fire safety is something both organisations are committed to.

Unattended cooking is the number one cause of fire in our homes, and both Kāinga Ora and Fire and Emergency are keen to see that declining.

Grant says education, informed by research on why these types of fires happen, is the key.

“We can help our customers understand that if they forget about what’s on the stovetop even for a few minutes, it could change their lives forever, or worse. That’s a hard-line message, but a vital one.”

Fire and Emergency branded messaging is shared regularly in the Kāinga Ora customer newsletter, Close to Home, and Fire and Emergency education tools are shared through other channels, too. One example is the ‘Fast Fire Facts(external link)’ – a series of short 30 second videos covering everything from how to use a fire extinguisher to the risk of lint build-up in your home dryer.

Fast fire facts:

• Don’t drink and fry
• Don’t get too close to your heater
• Don’t get distracted cooking
• Don’t leave kids unattended while cooking
• Check your fire alarms

To gauge general understanding of fire risk among our customers, Kāinga Ora is currently undertaking research with those who have experienced house fires.

“By hearing our customers’ stories, what caused them to become distracted in the moment, and how they responded when fire took hold, will help us understand how we can reduce the prevalence of fires in our homes. This will help inform our future fire prevention work and will help Fire and Emergency too.”  

Page updated: 28 November 2024

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A partnership between us, Palmerston North City Council and Sport Manawatū has transformed the Wharenui Walkway between Rangiora Avenue and Wharenui Terrace into a colourful, inviting space filled with play opportunities.

The walkway has always been an essential asset for the community. Many tamariki and whānau walk along daily as it’s the connecting link between the Roslyn community and Terrace End School. It also crosses a new Kāinga Ora social housing development of 14 homes.

Manumea Durie, Play Advisor at Palmerston North City Council, spotted an opportunity to enhance the walkway and worked with Sport Manawatū on how it could provide play opportunities for all ages, abilities and backgrounds.

“Play is for everyone and it’s an amazing way to bring people together and make a space feel more vibrant, safe and welcoming,” says Manumea. “We also know that play has a huge impact on someone’s mental, physical and emotional health.”

Whitney Le Comte, Tamariki Advisor at Sport Manawatū, utilised the existing relationships with Terrace End School to ask students to come up with suggestions about which play elements they wanted to see on the walkway. The tamariki submitted various ideas, including lots of colour and positive affirmations.

“We gave the ideas to a local artist who used the student’s themes alongside some classic play-on-the-way designs to create the walkway,” says Whitney. “It was important that the tamariki got to see some of their ideas within the playful activation in their community for a sense of belonging.”

Kāinga Ora Senior Housing Support Manager Lusia Luamanu, who supports Kāinga Ora customers to live well in their homes, says the walkway is a great opportunity to connect (new) customers with the wider community.

“It is wonderful to see so many people enjoying the new walkway. Kids especially seem to enjoy running, jumping, hopping, and skipping, which are so important for developing their fitness, coordination, endurance, and strength,” ends Whitney.

Watch a short video of the new Wharenui walkway(external link).

Page updated: 27 November 2024

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“This place has given me the chance to get back on my feet. It’s meant I’ve fully brought the value of work back into my life again,’’ says Amye.

Amye spent much of her twenties working in Australia, but her life took an unexpected turn when she moved to Mosgiel to support her sister and niece through some personal struggles. Further changes in her sister’s life meant Amye was left to look after her niece by herself.

“It was a massive thing for me to suddenly be looking after a teenager! But I knew I had to carry on and do the best I could for the sake of my sister,” Amye says.

When her niece eventually left home, she began to ponder her own next steps.

“I decided it was time to put myself first again. I always like to feel useful, to feel like I’m contributing to something and that’s what I had been missing.

“I needed to get back to where I was before all of that, and that’s when I came across the ‘The Bowling Club’ in Dunedin,” Amye explains.

A community eatery, The Bowling Club is an affordable food organisation providing cheap, wholesome meals to the people of Dunedin. Having grown from humble beginnings in a food truck to a full-scale operation, The Bowling Club was in need of extra hands at the time Amye was itching to start working again.

“They liked me and I started helping them out so I could get back in the groove of working. I was stoked, I had a purpose in life again.”

The Bowling Club was well-suited to Amye’s skillset – previously she had worked as a deli service manager – and she thrived being amongst food preparation processes again and interacting with the people who visited the Club for belly-warming goodness.

But it’s a recent move to a new Kāinga Ora home in Dunedin, that’s been even more life-changing.

“Because my lovely new home is closer to The Bowling Club I’ve been able to commit to more hours there and get more involved in the day-to-day running of the place.”

Her work ethic and drive to get daily tasks done were quickly recognised and Amye has recently been offered paid work and more hours at the Club.

Reflecting on this, Amye is glowing about what her new Kāinga Ora home has done for her.

“I’m excited for the future for the first time in a while. I’m now The Bowling Club’s Front of House Manager – something I never would’ve entertained if it wasn’t for the way my life has changed thanks to this home.

“And I can’t wait to have my first Christmas here!”

Page updated: 26 November 2024

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The three school holiday intakes saw a total of 54 aspiring students come together from Auckland Seventh Day Adventist High School, Southern Cross College, Papakura High School, Alfriston College, James Cook High School, Otahuhu College and Waiuku College.

In term two, Azeala from Alfriston College jumped at the chance to gain hands-on experience with Panorama Painters. “I currently take a building course at the MIT Tec Park in Manukau, and this programme has helped me see a lot of the practical side of what carpenters do. I want to make a future out of this.”

Mika from Papakura High School worked with Hauraki Plumbing and really enjoyed the varied nature of the work. “We replaced leaky taps, we went under the house, we used tools, we fixed toilets. I really enjoyed it. It was a hands-on job, where you look at a problem and work out how to fix it. You have to use your brain and also use physical labour.”

During each school term, the Downer Trades Resource Team visit secondary schools in South Auckland, which is the area they service under their Kāinga Ora maintenance contract. They talk about the benefits of gaining trade skills and recruit keen students to the next intake of the cadetship programme.

Kevin Barry, Senior Trades Resource Manager at Downer explains.

“The students let us know the trades that interest them, and we pair them up with our subcontractors for the full two weeks, working on Kāinga Ora homes. Plumbing and carpentry are very popular, followed by electrical works, and recently we’ve offered project management, too.”

“The students learn a variety of technical skills, giving them invaluable experience of the real working world and the chance to see for themselves the opportunities that lay ahead if they choose a career in the trades.”

“At the end of the second week, a graduation ceremony is held for the students. The subcontractors are there and always cheer loudly as their students go up to collect their certificates. The proud family members are always thrilled and thankful that their tamariki got to experience this opportunity. It’s awesome.”

Nigel Chandra, Kāinga Ora Construction Plus Manager, explains that the cadetship programme started over five years ago with just five students, and it now averages around 20 students per term.

“It’s important to Kāinga Ora that we can help build connections for those within our communities. This programme gives students a chance to gain autonomy, capability and capacity to then head into employment.”

This year, the New Zealand Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) has partnered with the programme to offer students credits for the attending. Those credits count towards a formal apprenticeship, if the student decides to go down that path.

“This year we have really been fortunate to bring in BCITO,” says Nigel. “They offer up to twenty valuable credits to students who are on the programme. This means a lot for the students – it gives them a head start.” 

Page updated: 22 November 2024

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