Category: Housing Sector

In the last eight months, more than 100 new, warm, dry state homes have been added to our portfolio in Napier.

These homes are changing the lives of the people who are moving into them. Sixty whānau have been able to move out of emergency accommodation including 100 children who are no longer growing up in motels.

In the last four years, we have built 270 new Napier homes, says Regional Director East North Island Naomi Whitewood (Ngāti Porou, Ngāpuhi). “We have another 55 homes in construction that are expected to be completed in the next three months.”

“A development of 13 homes has just been finished. Like every new home we complete, these ones were blessed by local kaikarakia before they are occupied. The people who are moving into the homes are invited to the blessing. Meeting these whānau is always a heartwarming occasion. I can see how desperate many peoples’ living situation has been and what a difference having a long-term suitable home makes to build their future around.”

One of these people whose life has changed is Chris. He recently moved into one of the new homes in Onekawa after five years living in temporary housing.

I feel like I have always been on the move, says Chris. “As a child living with my dad, we moved 10 times. Since I moved into emergency housing five years ago, I have moved seven times around different motels. I am looking forward to having a long-term place to fill with love. My brother is living with me and my sister lives close by. We are all supporting each other to live independent lives.

Chris became homeless after he went through a number of challenges in 2019. He was depressed, drinking to isolate himself socially and he needed to move out of the family home.

“I moved into emergency accommodation based in a motel room. That was where I was living when we went into COVID lockdown. My mental health really took a dive, and I knew I need to work on myself.”

“I did this by cutting out the drink and focusing on art. I love to sketch and paint. I will sketch anything and everything. While my life improved doing these things, it was hard living with the uncertainty of not having a long-term home.”

“That has all changed now. I love living in a clean, fresh home. This has always been important to me. ‘A clean space keeps a happy face” When people visit, they often comment on how nice my place smells. I also like to fill my lungs with fresh air, and nice fragrances. Since moving in I have enjoyed having a garden and growing herbs and vegetables. The next goal is to find a job that I like.”

While I am grateful to have moved out of emergency accommodation, I do want to thank the management at Fern Motel, the last place I was living. They cater for everyone’s needs and are lovely people to all those who call the motel home for a period of time.”

Page updated: 16 April 2025

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As the sun streamed in the windows, aroha was put into each wall in each of the new homes as the students’ recited chants from local mōteatea and karakia they have learned in the classroom.

Invited by Kaikarakia Morehu Pewhairangi who has blessed many of our new homes in Gisborne, Kura principal Russel Wilson said it’s a great opportunity for our tamariki to take what they are learning in the classroom and use it in the community. “The waiata, karakia, haka and moteatea learnt are all taonga that are passed down from generation to generation. Our students now have a deeper understanding about what they are learning and how it benefits people moving into a new whare. We definitely felt that today.”

The sunny, warm dry apartments are close to the CBD and will provide a home for ten individuals and whānau who are leaving the uncertainty of living in emergency and transitional housing.

The 10 new homes are a combination of two and three-bedrooms and include a three-story walk-up building, only the second one we have built in Gisborne.

Built by Iconiq Group, Kāinga Ora has purchased the light, bright homes now they are completed. The development features universal design standards on the ground floors, insulation, bike racks, car parking, and views from the balconies.

Mayor Rehette Stoltz says it makes a huge difference when we see homes like this built in our region. “We know Tairāwhiti has a massive shortage and builds like this don’t just happen. They are a culmination of us all working together and playing our part.

“Thank you for inviting me to the blessings of your new homes and thank you to kaikarakia Morehu Pewhairangi for guiding us through the appropriate processes. I think the fact that we do it the right way – bless the whenua when the projects start and then put positive energy put into the walls of the homes when they are completed, sets everyone on the right path”.

The new homes are definitely putting local health and disability support worker Ivan Te Momo on the right path. He is legally blind and has been living in emergency housing for the last two years. “The complex I was staying in had lots of corridors to navigate to the communal kitchen and bathroom facilities. Because of my disability, I have struggled to keep my room to the expected standards.

“It has been difficult to cook because of my sight and because I could not keep anything in the kitchen. I had to carry everything instead, including my cutlery, down the hallways from my room to the kitchen. That was a struggle.”

In the last year CCS Disability Action has helped me to cook, clean, cut vegetables and take my daily medication.

“I am looking forward to feeling settled, having my own place and the autonomy that brings. Having a home gives you a tūrangawaewae … a place where you can stand.”

For the man who used to be a body combat instructor, even when his eyesight was starting to fail, the first focus is his health. “With my cane, I can walk to work from here. It has been hard to get my health in order staying in a place I don’t control.”

My other focus is finishing my PHD thesis on health services supporting disabled Māori with Te Whare Wānanga Awanuiārangi. There have been challenges, but I am determined to be one of the first blind Māoris to complete their doctorate in NZ. And I want to be able to show other blind people that it can be done!”

Page updated: 10 April 2025

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Naturally artistic, Te can lend her hand to most arts and crafts. She crochets, and her new favourite past times are photography and print making.

These are skills she’s put to great use in the Te Mātāwai community, contributing work to an onsite art exhibition, assisting with photography projects, taking photos at events, selling her arts and crafts offsite and helping to plan activities for the onsite youth group.

“When I moved in 18 months ago, I got involved in art classes which led to exhibiting one of my artworks. Then I helped with costumes and a lot of the paperwork for two photography projects involving tenants with artist and lecturer Dieneke Jansen from Auckland University of Technology.

“I was very excited when Dieneke then invited me to assist on a film and photography project outside Te Mātāwai, it’s a big opportunity for me.”

Dayne, the Community Development Manager at Te Mātāwai, says Te is a gifted creative and her sense of humour shines through in everything that she does.

“Te’s worked with us on several projects and events that have benefitted from her creativity and clever thinking, with heaps of laughs along the way. She’s a doer and a leader, and the skills she’s shared with our community have led to new opportunities for her which is awesome. We’re really grateful for all of Te’s contributions to the Te Mātāwai community.”

Te’s new ventures are part of the upward trajectory her life has taken since moving into Te Mātāwai. The central Auckland complex with 200 apartments for social housing tenants and 24/7 on-site support is a place where lives change.

“I’d been living in backpacker hostels and boarding houses for years because I couldn’t afford anything more, but it wasn’t very healthy for me.”

With long-term health problems, Te often felt trapped in her room as she wasn’t well enough to use communal spaces.

“Now I have my own studio apartment, I can cook and do laundry without having to risk my health. And when I’m well, I can join all the activities going on here.

“There are so many programmes on offer and there are a lot of nice people around. Everything I need is either here or very nearby which makes life easier.”

With a place to call her own, improved health and a supportive community, Te says her next goal is to find part-time work, preferably in a reception or administration role. “I like organising other people,” she laughs, another talent that has come to the fore at Te Mātāwai.

Page updated: 3 April 2025

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“I never had a home of my own,” says Jack. “I have always moved around and lived in temporary accommodation or on the street. It took me a while to get my head around the fact that I won’t need to leave my home anytime soon.”

YMCA Taranaki manages the community space, which can be used by both tenants and the wider community.

Deanne Phillips is the Community Space Coordinator. “Designed to meet the diverse needs of the community, we organise a variety of free activities and services in the community space to promote connection, well-being, and personal growth for everyone who walks through the door,” says Deanne.

“I am passionate about creating an environment where people from all walks of life can come together, learn new skills, access information, and form friendships.”

Through YMCA Taranaki’s network of other community organisations services, tenants can also access a wide range of other resources to support their personal and professional development.

Jack says that most days, he visits the community space for a chat and to help out where he can, and Deanne has also supported him in looking at opportunities for his future.

“She helped me with my application for a full driver’s licence and her encouragement and support were exactly what I needed. It’s the first time I have ever had my full licence.”

“I am now also going to the YMCA gym around the corner on my own. A YMCA staff member wrote a workout programme and showed me how to use the equipment. These gym sessions have made a huge difference for my mental health, and I sleep better too.”

Jack says his full driver’s licence opens more doors to employment and he is now looking for a job. Eventually, he would love to be able to buy his own car.

“I have put my name forward to the YMCA to be a support worker for homeless people, as I have lived experience. It would be really rewarding.”

“I love the community we have at our complex. All of us tenants look out for each other and know each other. I feel like I can give back to others now, which I haven’t always been able to do,” says Jack. 

Page updated: 27 March 2025

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Undeterred by a painful back injury and the wait for a second hip replacement, she’s the face of fitness at her Kāinga Ora apartment complex in central Auckland. In the year since she moved in, Ripeka has established a fitness routine averaging three hours a day – and her neighbours are following her lead.

As well as leading weekly Boxfit sessions, Ripeka invites other tenants to join her for fitness classes and weight training at the gym next door, and to accompany her to the city pool where she swims four days a week.

“I take the young ones under my wing,” says Ripeka. “I see potential in them, and I want to encourage them to enjoy a healthy life. There’s no pressure though, I just let them know that they’re welcome to join me when they feel ready.

“I’ve always been into fitness, it’s so good for your wellbeing. And a bit of support and encouragement can help people to make big changes. One of the young people was having issues with alcohol when he arrived, and he’s quit drinking now.”

Te Mātāwai is the first and largest single site supported housing complex built by Kāinga Ora. Tenants have access to 24/7 onsite support and are empowered to build connections and to participate in their community.

Ripeka moved into Te Mātāwai, after a stay in emergency housing nearby. She’d become homeless during the pandemic when her husband William had become unwell with dementia, and she was on crutches after injuring her hip.

“I was so grateful to be able to move in here. When I was offered a place, I said, ‘Wherever you put me, I’ll be happy’ – and I am. The apartments are beautiful, and I love being so close to the gym and the pool and the bus stops. I can take a bus to visit my husband at his rest home.”

One of Ripeka’s favourite times is the weekly hikoi/walk to a mystery location. Tenants join the hikoi leader to explore destinations such as maunga/mountains and museums.

“We go to beautiful places and learn about the history.”

Ripeka also likes to join working crews to host special events such as Matariki, cooking for 200 people over two days.

“There was a lot of planning and preparation involved, and it felt great to be part of a team giving back.”

Community Development Manager Dayne Smith says Whaea Ripeka is a “massive” asset to the Te Mātāwai community.

“She’s a leader and a role model. She encourages and inspires others to make healthier choices through physical fitness, a healthy diet and making social connections. She joins most of the activities on offer, leads a Breakfast Club and Boxfit sessions, and she’s helped us plan and deliver Matariki and Christmas events. We’re so lucky to have her in our community.” 

Page updated: 20 March 2025

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