Category: Housing Sector

Change processes proposed today may see a net reduction of 321 roles across the organisation’s urban planning and design; commercial; construction and innovation; and investment management office teams.

Kāinga Ora Chief Executive Matt Crockett says the proposed changes are aimed at ensuring Kāinga Ora can deliver on the Government’s housing delivery expectations in the most efficient way possible in the coming years.

“Kāinga Ora has scaled up over the last five years to deliver a successful and extensive build programme,” he says.

“We are now moving into a different phase where our focus is on creating a steadier state of social housing builds, alongside work to upgrade and replace thousands of homes in our portfolio.

“We need to make sure we have the right level of resourcing to match our delivery programme while maintaining focus on achieving our targets.”

The proposed changes would support an accelerated move to new construction methods, enabling state houses to be built more quickly and efficiently through the Kāinga Ora Housing Delivery System. Kāinga Ora will also continue to work with private developers to deliver homes.

“Today’s announcement starts a period of consultation where potentially impacted teams have the opportunity to provide feedback on the proposal,” says Mr. Crockett.

“These proposed changes will be unsettling for our people. We are committed to supporting them through the process as best we can, and to considering all feedback they provide.

“At this stage we plan to confirm final decisions in mid-November.”

Read more on Kāinga Ora workforce changes

Page updated: 25 September 2024

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With Tamihana (Te Popoto) on guitar, ‘Waiata Wednesday’ usually begins with a rousing version of Toia Mai, and takes in feel good classics like Pokarekare Ana and SIX60’s hit, Pepeha.

For Tamihana the weekly get together at the communal space  of a Kāinga Ora complex in Auckland’s North Shore, is about sharing and connection.

“Everyone is welcome, whether you’ve lived here all your life or you’re new,” he says. That is what this is about. We hang out, we call it whakawhanaungatanga (establishing relationships). We sing waiata, have a laugh and a cup of tea.”

“It is an opportunity to connect with the whole community and learn to get on with one another.”

Established by local artist and kaiako Natanahira (hapu) to connect people with culture, and each other, the group has quicky taken off with as many as 20 regulars.

The group meets at the communal space of a recently built 88 home Kāinga Ora complex in Auckland’s North Shore.

As well as laughter, and a half time kapu tī (cuppa), there’s discussion about the meaning and origin of the songs themsleves.

“Waiata is important. It’s all part of Te Reo Māori. The songs encompass certain kaupapa (ways of doing things). We learned our culture through waiata. Our whānau gave us the reo through waiata.

“It’s also about sharing our culture with people who are new to New Zealand, and we in return can learn from them.”

For fellow Kāinga Ora resident, Paul (Ngati Whakaue), the weekly get togethers hold a special significance.

“The first week I was here we had waiata. I was a professional singer for 60-odd years but I had an accident and damaged my voice. So, now I get to come here and we just sing songs together. It’s a lovely thing to come down to, I look forward to it every week, ” Paul says.

Recently, the group were invited to perform their first ‘gig’ – singing to a hall of whānau having kai through the Communnity Life Kitchen.

Bringing song to the community is a form of service, explains Tamihana.

“It’s about doing things, that is what the group is for. It’s about giving tautoko (support) to others. I don’t know where it will lead but as long as Wednesdays keep coming around, we’ll keep turning up!” 

Page updated: 19 September 2024

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The two 3-bedroom freestanding and six 2-bedroom terraced houses are not only homes for whānau in need, but they also provided real life learning experiences for local secondary school students and nine apprentices throughout the construction.

The homes were designed to follow the contours of the land with split level living areas, plenty of natural light and outdoor areas with storage for tenants. However, Patrick Dougherty, General Manager Construction and Innovation, says it is the education opportunities that the Kāinga Ora teams involved are particularly proud of.

“It’s not easy to decide on a career path when you’re still in school, so whenever possible we help our build partners connect with local schools and host visits for students interested in a career in the construction sector,” he says.

“The Kāinga Ora apprenticeship programme works with build partners, training and pastoral care providers to help kiwis into a mix of trades. In the 12 months ending June 2024 our teams helped 262 people into apprenticeships.”

Head contractor for the Mount Roskill development, Precision Construction, currently employs 26 apprentices. During the build of the eight homes on nearly 1600m² of land, their apprentices worked on build elements that might normally be subcontracted out. They also had exposure to construction management activities like critical path planning, purchasing, leading prestart meetings and quality assurance.

Kāinga Ora also helped Precision Construction connect with two local secondary schools and ten final year students visited the development site during key build milestones. Two of the students worked alongside the construction team for a total of 12 days during the build.

Precision Construction Chief Executive Quentin Quin explains “Our business has a strong focus on helping build a strong and qualified construction workforce. We support build projects to help our apprentices get the full exposure to the construction process. Two of our apprentices achieved their qualifications during this build and were fantastic at hosting school students under the Ministry of Education Gateway programme – it was a really positive experience for all involved.

“Quality homes have been built, more of our people have qualified as builders, and there’s local secondary school students now considering construction as a career choice. It’s a full circle and foundation for success that we’re committed to support.

“We’re all pleased with the finished homes and wish the families now living in them a great new start in their Mount Roskill community.”

Read more about Kāinga Ora training and apprenticeships and the new state houses delivered in the last financial year.

Page updated: 17 September 2024

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The Kāinga Ora development, designed and constructed by Soho Group, includes 55 high-quality terrace and apartment homes, as well as a multipurpose community room.

Jeff Murray, Regional Director – Northland at Kāinga Ora, said it was a privilege to show so many people from the community through the new homes.

“We want to acknowledge everyone who came, including Mayor of Whangārei District, Vince Cocurullo, local hapū leaders from Ngati Hau and Te Parawhau, neighbours, business owners and a special acknowledgement to the children from Tiki Primary for their moving kapa haka.

“Our dedicated placements team will now work to identify those who are on Ministry of Social Development’s Housing Register that have housing needs in and around Tikipunga.

“The community will play a big part in helping tenants settle into these new homes, so it was really positive to see so many locals turn up to the opening and show their support,” he said.

Ben Noone, General Manager at Soho Group said they are proud of the Wanaka Street development – the third medium-density development the group has delivered for Kāinga Ora.

“These homes have been a real team effort, and we especially want to acknowledge the team of 40 subcontractors that have been onsite for the past 13 months getting it done.

“Not only are the homes high-quality, functional and energy efficient, they are set on a great site in a great location. We wanted to create a community not just homes, and that has been achieved by the onsite community gardens, children’s play area, and of course the multipurpose community room for resident use,” he said.

The architecturally designed homes come in a range of sizes, including 12 one-bedroom, 39 two-bedroom and 4 three-bedroom homes, suiting individuals, couples, small families, and older people / kaumātua.

The 2-level terrace homes and 3 level apartments are set across seven buildings on the former Tiki Tavern site, which neighbours Paramount Plaza and Whangarei Golf Course.

The placements process has now started, and tenants will start moving into the homes in the next few weeks.

Page updated: 16 September 2024

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Over the two years to 30 June 2026, Kāinga Ora will be adding 2,650 homes to our state housing stock and renewing almost 3,000 other state homes.

We build additional state houses based on the Government’s Public Housing Plan, which tells us how many houses are needed and where they are needed.

We also renew our existing homes, to make sure we have homes in the right locations and our homes are suitable for the people that need them. We do this through renovation, removing homes and redeveloping on the same land, or selling and replacing it with another home elsewhere.

We’ve recently received confirmation of these additional housing and renewal requirements for the next two years, including the locations of greatest need.

We have the vast majority of the required work underway, with almost 3,600 homes currently under construction or contracted for delivery in the next two years.

In the pursuit of best value decisions, we are looking at our social housing delivery plans and reassessing some projects. This includes looking at the costs and plans for over 300 proposed projects that are at differing stages.

A project can take several years from inception to completion as it is scoped, designed, planned, consented, procured, constructed and delivered. This means our pipeline of projects spans several years and it takes time to scale up or down.

The investment already made in these projects* often includes removing old social housing that is no longer fit for purpose, scoping, consenting the project to redevelop the land, and then procuring the construction work to deliver the new homes. In some cases, it also includes civil and infrastructure work to prepare the land for redevelopment. These costs are typical across the wider construction sector in the early stages of projects.

Although we mostly redevelop on land we already own, occasionally we also acquire land in areas of high social housing need so some costs have gone into purchasing sites.

Making land build-ready contributes to the overall value of the asset. The investment in this land will have future benefits as we look at the options available to redevelop it for social housing.

Working through the additional homes we have been asked to deliver and the renewal of our housing portfolio is an ongoing process. Some of the proposed projects will proceed at a future date. Others will be reworked to ensure better value for money.

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

*TVNZ incorrectly reported this cost as almost $3bn – the investment in our projects under assessment we provided to them in early September 2024 was actually only approximately $300million – this cost continues to change as decisions are made on our projects.  

Page updated: 11 September 2024

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For two whānau who moved into newly built homes in Gisborne recently, it was clear that finally having a long-term home would be good for their health.

After more than two years staying in emergency housing, dealing with a health problem, Phillip and Bromlyn never thought they would live in a place where they could feel settled.

The overwhelmed couple are very excited to have moved into a new home in Kaiti, with their move supporting the Government’s commitment to ending the large-scale and long-term use of motels for emergency housing.

“We spent two years and two months in that motel room,” says Bromlyn. “While we were very grateful to have a roof over our heads, it’s not the same as having a home.”

“I had cancer and had to have my kidney out. When I came out of hospital, I had to recuperate in the motel. All I wanted to do is have the comfort of being in my own space.”

Phillp has arthritis in both his knees which has got progressively worse while he has been in the motel. It is now at the stage where his mobility is severely compromised, and he is using a mobility scooter to get around.

“Physically and mentally being homeless is very hard on your wairua (spirit). We know there is a long waiting list and we honestly thought we would never get a home. Housing has been in the news a lot and you just don’t know where you are going to end up.”

“When Kāinga Ora rang and said they had a home for us, I just broke down and cried,” recalls an emotional Bromlyn. “I was so overwhelmed, the adrenaline hit and I don’t know what I was saying on the phone!”

“Our new place is just beautiful and close to shops, grocery stores and the doctors. I love the design, I love the storage, and I am enjoying bringing all our stuff out of storage to make the home our own.”

“We are so grateful to the builders, the trades people and all the Kāinga Ora staff who have helped us get stable place to live, they really are changing lives,” adds Bromlyn.

Phillip and Bromlyn’s neighbour, Selwyn has also had his health battles. He is visually impaired and had been living at his daughter’s severely overcrowded house.

“My life is turning around since moving into my new home, it suits my needs well and is a gift for me and for my daughter,” says Selwyn.

“I am enjoying having my own space and I have learned to navigate the new spaces now. I no longer need to work around the toys and other belongings that the rest of the family would leave around my daughter’s house.

“I am grateful for my Geneva Healthcare team who supported me in my housing journey.

“It was awesome to team with Kāinga Ora on getting such a great outcome for a person we support” says Ash Blair, Geneva Healthcare Occupational Therapist.

“We help Selwyn navigate the challenges of his limited sight. We assist with shopping and taking him to regular gym rehabilitation sessions.”

Selwyn’s goal is to become more independent. “Because my home is fenced, I can finally look into getting a guide dog”, says Selwyn. “This would mean I could get to the shops and other places on my own. Recent surgery has improved my sight somewhat, and with shops close by, I may not need a guide dog right now to get some independence. This home really is a new beginning for me.”

The six new single-storey homes were built by TW Property and Kāinga Ora purchased them once they were completed.

Over the last two months, 26 new state houses have been completed in Gisborne with individuals and families in need moving in to make them their long-term home.

Page updated: 4 September 2024

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After suffering life-changing injuries in a serious car accident, Jayne needed a home with wheelchair access and space for her healthcare equipment.

Before, the family of four – Jayne, Wiremu and their teenage sons – had been staying in a drafty garage belonging to extended family as they couldn’t find a rental with wheelchair access.

“When we were shown this place, we were like, ‘Oh my gosh! This is amazing!’’ recalls Jayne’s partner, Wiremu. “It’s such a far cry from the conditions we were living in. We feel incredibly fortunate.”

In the family’s new home, there’s space to comfortably accommodate Jayne’s “smart bed” – a bed that can self-adjust to users’ needs – and her bathroom is designed for wheelchair users.

Although her accident left her unable to walk or talk, she can communicate using hi-tech aids, and Wiremu is a skilled interpreter. He’s also taken on responsibility for Jayne’s 24-7 care.

“Moving here has improved all our lives exponentially. It’s like night and day from where we were to where we are, like being on another planet. The boys have their own personal spaces and Jayne can do so much more.”

The open-plan living spaces are easy for Jayne to navigate, and the entrance and garden access is flat and smooth. At last, she can go out on her own.

“It’s so nice for Jayne to have her own space without the boys bowling in and out all day. There are no drafts or roller door going up and down all day which is much better for Jayne’s health.”

“We are so grateful and the change in our lives is unbelievable. We all have what we need and it’s a great basis for us to move forward as a family. “Says 17-year-old Trinity: “I love having my own room and it’s good to see Mum looking a lot happier. Life is 100% better for us now.”

Page updated: 3 September 2024

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With 29 new homes plus a community room, children’s playground and BBQ area the development was completed despite construction challenges.

Patrick Dougherty, General Manager for Construction & Innovation at Kāinga Ora says completion of this project is a credit to all the subcontractors involved.

“The teams removed seven old homes on the over 6,000m² development area and undertook a massive amount of civil works needed to prepare the land.

“Construction of the homes used a mix of the more traditional, onsite building methods for the three-, four- and five-bedroom homes; as well as offsite manufacturing for 18 two-bedroom apartments.

“Unfortunately, towards the end of this project, market conditions impacted the financial stability of the head contractor, resulting in the firm going into liquidation. It was a sad outcome but thankfully Kāinga Ora was able to intervene and continue development of the much-needed homes, ensuring subcontractors were paid and completing the homes just a few months later than originally planned.”

Civil works were completed by Everiss Civil. Steve Long, Director, explains “The site required major civil works, most of which were completed throughout winter months. Thousands of tonnes of material needed to be moved, and sourcing materials for the retaining walls was a challenge. Our team of ten worked hard to get through a number of issues, and we’re proud to be involved in delivering social housing. We wish the very best to the families who will be moving in.”

Kinetic Electrical provided all electrical services, supplying and manufacturing commercial switchboards and assisting with design on electrical disciplines. With a crew of six, the team had sole charge of all the electrical disciplines from fire, security and home fit outs. Owner Jamie Greentree says “The team worked hard to gain efficiencies, were given the opportunity to influence the build programme and dealt with issues quickly. There were many sleepless nights when we weren’t getting paid but once Kāinga Ora stepped in, I had confidence in a positive outcome.

“Overall, it’s been a great development to be involved in. Our apprentices were able to learn a lot and the scale of the job has meant our business has grown with confidence. The homes look great, and we wish the new tenants all the very best in their new homes – we hope they will be happy. We’re certainly proud of the role we’ve played.”    
 
Families will start moving in from mid-September.  

Page updated: 2 September 2024

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Designed for older people or those with health needs, the new one-bedroom units with accessible bathrooms will provide homes close to important amenities.

Patrick Dougherty, General Manager Construction & Innovation at Kāinga Ora says it is fantastic to see the apartment complex completed. “Construction of this project commenced at the same as time as the global COVID-19 pandemic,” he says.

“The development uses offsite manufactured units, built offsite in a factory, and is the largest social housing development Kāinga Ora has completed using this method of construction to deliver new state homes to kiwis in need.

“It is made up of three buildings with separate entrances and lobby areas, lift access to all levels, a community room complete with a kitchen, meeting room and gardens for residents to enjoy. With modern designs, the complex is stunning and will help create a sense of community for all who live there.

“The Auckland region has over 32,000 state houses, and apartment complexes like this mean important housing options for older people or those with mobility issues to live well in a central Auckland community.”

Kāinga Ora teams are working with the Ministry of Social Development to match prospective tenants to the new homes so people can move in shortly, once the road works in Pt Chevalier Road are completed.

Page updated: 30 August 2024

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Winners of Energy Project of the Year at the 2024 NZ Energy Excellence Awards, the programme is responsible for installing solar panels on hundreds of social housing homes, introducing new solar technology to the country and bringing a ground-breaking solar trading trial to the electricity market.

Backed by the Māori and Public Housing Renewable Energy Fund, the programme is focusing on using social housing roof space to support increased renewable energy generation and reduce customers’ electricity bills.

Jenny Van der Merwe Kāinga Ora Renewable Energy Lead, says it’s rewarding to see the programme’s positive, long-term impact on both whānau and the sector.

“We’ve installed solar panels on 630 homes nationwide, providing annual savings of $350 – $1000 per year and enabling 2.9MW of solar generation capacity – enough to power around 500 homes,” she said.

“Added to this, we’ve introduced Allume SolShare technology to New Zealand, which enables solar on our complexes and multi-tenant buildings.

“SolShare directs energy to where the demand is, while ensuring an even distribution to all units within the building.

“It can increase solar consumption within buildings to around 50 per cent and, importantly, allows customers to stay with their preferred retailer.

“We’re proud that our work has given the industry several reference sites on different networks, enabling other New Zealand developers to install SolShare more easily from now on.”

Alex Baker Sustainability Director Kāinga Ora, says the team knew from the start that the real opportunity was being able to link all Kāinga Ora homes with solar panels into a single energy generation asset.

“This turned out to be a major challenge because harnessing solar in this way isn’t currently permitted in the electricity market,” he said.

“Through cross-industry and public-private innovation, we landed on a ground-breaking solution to this challenge, known as a multiple trading trial.

“The trial allows our customers to continue using as much solar energy as they can during the day. Kāinga Ora collects any energy not being used by the customer and sells it at a higher rate than they could get from their retailer. We can then use this revenue to help address energy hardship among other customers.

“If implemented, particularly at scale, this solution could be really impactful.

“It provides a valuable opportunity to explore ways to accelerate the uptake of renewable energy and make the electricity market more flexible and competitive – to the benefit of all New Zealanders.

“It’s taken a huge collaborative effort from our project partners to get this far, and we’re excited to share our progress with the industry as the trial moves through its first year.”

More information

The Kāinga Ora multiple trading trial is the first of its kind in New Zealand and involves 180 homes in Wellington. Key project partners include, Ara Ake, Wellington Electricity, Intellihub, Bluecurrent and Paua to the People. To enable the trial, the Electricity Authority has granted exemptions to our project partners.

The Allume SolShare system has been installed on Kāinga Ora apartments in Whangārei, Christchurch, and Hamilton, and will also be delivered in South Auckland in early 2025.

Page updated: 29 August 2024

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