Category: New Zealand Government

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6 May 2025 Coming home to Kerikeri For Rewa, the move to a newly built Kāinga Ora home in Kerikeri was more than just somewhere safe and dry to live following the devastating impacts of cyclone Gabrielle. It was coming home.

Source: New Zealand Government Kainga Ora

“My previous home was in a remote part of Northland,” Rewa said. “It was a special place with a close community, but there weren’t the comforts you get living in town.”

In fact, the whare where Rewa lived with her whanau was so remote that connecting to the grid was out of the question.

“We got by ok,” Rewa said. “We used a generator for power and every time it was switched on my moko would coming running, because for them it meant one thing – TV!”

In February 2023, things took an unexpected turn for the worse, when the devastating tropical cyclone Gabrielle arrived at New Zealand’s shores.

“Gabrielle changed everything,” Rewa said. “There was water everywhere. It damaged the front part of my house, and even damaged the generator, which made things a lot harder. I did my best to stay positive and carry on, but it was a stressful time.”

Positive change came in 2024, when Rewa received a phone call from the Te Tai Tokerau placements team at Kāinga Ora.

“I had heard about the new homes Kāinga Ora was building in Kerikeri, but I didn’t want to get my hopes up,” Rewa said. “So, when I got a call asking if I wanted to view one of the apartments, I just couldn’t believe it.

“I was in awe of my home when I saw it,” Rewa said. “I still am – absolute awe. I’m so grateful I get to settle down here.”

The Kāinga Ora home where Rewa now lives is a warm, dry, energy efficient ground floor apartment, located only a short walk from the town centre, supermarket and shops.

Rewa says it’s hard to pick what her very favourite part of the new home is.

“I really do love everything about it. But, if I had to choose a favourite room, it would be the bathroom. I went from having an outdoor toilet to the best toilet and shower – I just love it.”

“I always keep the bathroom looking extra pretty because it’s the first room I show off when anyone pops in for a cuppa,” Rewa said.

Rewa, now 74 years old, says moving into her new home was extra special as Kerikeri is the town where she grew up and a place she feels very connected to.

“I was 12 years old when my whanau first moved to our home on Butler Road – there were 10 of us kids, plus Mum and Dad. We knew everyone in Kerikeri at that time,” she says.

“So many memories of my childhood and whanau have come flooding back. It means the world to me to settle here and make new memories with my moko, who know exactly where to find nan if they ever need me.”

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2024 General Insurance Stress Test results published

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

The 2024 General Insurance Stress Test (GIIST) bulletin published today noted insurers’ resilience in managing claims from an extreme seismic event. It also highlighted the need for a coordinated response across the industry and government to manage such shocks and ensure ongoing insurance availability.

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16 April 2025 More state homes for Napier changing lives Significant progress has been made increasing the number of state homes available in Napier, an area identified nationally where too many people have nowhere suitable to live.

Source: New Zealand Government Kainga Ora

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.”

The moment Chris opened the door to his new home was very emotional.

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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Sikh Gurudwara Vaisakhi Celebration Speech

Source: New Zealand Governor General

Waheguru Ji Ka Khulsa, Waheguru Ki Fateh

[Hail the Guru’s Khalsa, Hail the victory of God]

E nga mana, e nga reo, e nga iwi o te motu e huihui nei, tēnei aku mihi nui ki a koutou. Kia ora tātou katoa.

Thank you for inviting Richard and me to join you today for this very special celebration of Vaisakhi at Gurudwara Sahib. It’s an honour to be the first Governor-General to visit your temple.

I wish to begin by acknowledgingyour holy book the Guru Granth Sahib. I also join you in celebrating the bounty of harvest-time, and in your expressions of gratitude for the food that will nourish our communities.

As Governor-General, one of my over-riding goals is to encourage a sense of inclusion and unity in New Zealand. I enjoy meeting New Zealanders of all faiths and backgrounds, and appreciate the contributions, expertise and aspirations we all bring – in our different ways – to Aotearoa.

This afternoon’s celebration is one of those occasions – in this instance, I welcome this opportunity to meet members of the Sikh community – and learn more about Sikhism, the sacred space of Gurudwara, and the traditions associated with visiting this temple and the celebration of Vaisakhi.

I was interested to learn that Sikhism is the fastest-growing religion in New Zealand, and about the role Gurudwara play in bringing your communities together and enabling you to hold fast to your cultural and spiritual heritage.

The last few years have tested our resilience in ways we could never have imagined. Last year, when we visited Hawkes Bay communities affected by Cyclone Gabrielle, it was a great privilege to meet Sikh people there who had showed such extraordinary compassion and generosity to people who had, in many instances, lost everything in the floods.

I want to acknowledge your efforts to not only promote egalitarian and humanitarian values, but also for doing your best to live them on a daily basis. Your generosity and compassion to those in need are deeply appreciated, and a reminder that true spirituality is expressed in our actions towards others.

My thanks once again for welcoming us into your temple and sharing this special occasion with us.

Kia ora huihui tātou katoa.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khulsa, Waheguru Ki Fateh

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10 April 2025 Kura students help bless 10 new Gisborne homes New Gisborne apartments resounded with the sweet voices of students from Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Hawaiki Hou as they assisted Kaikarakia to implant mauri (spiritual energy) into the homes.

Source: New Zealand Government Kainga Ora

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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3 April 2025 Te is a creative force in her community Since moving into Kāinga Ora apartment complex Te Mātāwai, Te has become known for her creativity and leadership skills.

Source: New Zealand Government Kainga Ora

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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2 April 2025 Supporting the Pasifika community with a new partnership initiative Kāinga Ora, Niuvaka Trust, and the Ministry for Social Development (MSD) are supporting the Pasifika community by providing access to employment opportunities, social housing, and financial assistance.

Source: New Zealand Government Kainga Ora

A safe and culturally appropriate space has now been established at the Niuvaka office in Palmerston North, offering Pasifika families a welcoming and supportive environment to meet with Kāinga Ora and MSD representatives.

Kāinga Ora Senior Housing Support Manager Lusia says the Pasifika Community Clinics provide a valuable opportunity to connect with Pasifika communities.

Front row: Talei Samasoni (MSD), Lusia (Kāinga Ora) Back row, from left: Mutsuo Hatakeyama, Sharron Smith, Dana Kunaiti, Waimarama Albert, Metaio Malama (Niuvaka Trust)

“Niuvaka referred one of their clients to me who had been in hospital for several months after having his leg amputated. Before this, he had been living in a private rental, but his landlord was unwilling to make the necessary modifications for him to return home. The hospital could no longer keep a bed for him, so he was eventually sent to a rest home to await a modified home. After a couple of months, we were able to house him in an accessible home which he absolutely loves,” says Lusia.

When an appointment is made with Niuvaka Trust, they provide Kāinga Ora and MSD with a brief overview of the family’s needs before the clinic. This allows both agencies to respond to Pasifika communities more effectively and efficiently.

“The Pasifika Community Clinics make a huge difference in the level of engagement of our communities,” says Dana Kunaiti, General Manager at Niuvaka Trust. “As a result, we have been able to support people in employment, place them in social housing, and ensure they receive all the necessary benefits and entitlements.”

“We want to make a real difference for the Pasifika communities we serve and are passionate about advancing aspirations for Tagata Pasifika,” Dana adds. “We are grateful to Kāinga Ora and MSD for recognising the need to do things differently to better meet the needs of our Pasifika communities.”

Raquel Hudson, MSD Regional Housing Manager – Central, highlights the importance of this collaboration.

“Partnering with Niuvaka Trust has allowed us to support mutual clients in an environment where they feel comfortable and familiar. Moving away from our service centres and into the community has proven successful, particularly for those who find large office environments challenging. We appreciate Niuvaka welcoming our staff into their space and value our close partnership with Kāinga Ora in achieving these positive outcomes.”

Page updated: 2 April 2025

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Powhiri at Te Ahu Cultural Centre

Source: New Zealand Governor General

Kia kotahi mai ki te ao nei

Kia kotahi mai ki te whenua nei

Kia kotahi mai ki nga wai e rere nei

Kia kotahi mai ki te hauora

Ko te whakakotahitanga a te hāpori o Kaitaia, te kaupapa o te rā, anei e tū ake te whakatinanatanga o te moemoea

Te whare e tū nei, tēnā koe.

  • Be as one with the universe
  • Be as one with mother earth
  • Flow as one with the sacred waters
  • Breathe as one with the winds
  • You, the community of Kaitaia
  • worked as one to realise
  • his vision for all.

Thank you all for the wonderful welcome, and thank your Worship Moko for inviting us to be here today. May I also congratulate you on being amongst the five winners of the One World Young Politician of the Year Award in 2023, and for recently being voted New Zealand’s most popular mayor.

I always look forward to coming to this complex. In particular, this circle of poupou that so beautifully conveys pride in the diverse cultures of your region, while at the same time affirming kotahitanga and a shared vision for the future. It is the perfect place to begin our final day of a very memorable official visit to Te Tai Tokerau.

Haami Piripi saw this building as realising the dream of our Māori, Pākehā and Dalmatian forebears to co-exist peacefully and work together to achieve common goals. He said: ‘In order for us to be successful and prosperous, we must all beat with one heart’.

Te Ahu both perfectly expresses and embodies that goal and has itself become a beating heart for the Far North.

The kuaka above us remind me of a recent visit to Pukorokoro on the Firth of Thames, where I saw many thousands of these birds congregating on the mudflats, in preparation for their long journey to Alaska.

Like these remarkable birds, we each have long journeys over the world’s oceans embedded in our histories. And like them, we too face challenges, and find strength from those who support us on our life journeys.

In Te Tai Tokerau, we are blessed with warmer weather, as well as picturesque harbours, sweeping Pohutukawa, native bird and fauna and stunning beaches. The region also experience the realities of extreme weather events with drought and flooding, infrastructure demands, employment and housing gaps.

This week we have met people in Whangārei, Kaikohe and Whangaroa who are using their energy and talents to take on some of those challenges and serve their communities. We are looking forward to seeing more of such good work in Kaitaia today.

When one of my predecessors, Sir Jerry Mateparae came here to celebrate the opening of Te Ahu in 2012, he agreed to fire a replica mortar. No doubt he did so with great aplomb – given his military training.

Firing mortars isn’t really my thing, and so I am delighted to be planting a kauri tree instead.

On this, our final day of our official visit to the North, I want to thank everyone who has given up their precious time to be with us.

We will not forget your manaakitanga, or your passion and commitment to nga iwi me nga taonga o Te Tai Tokerau. It has been our privilege to be here and spend time with you, and I look forward to catching up with you on my visits home in the future.

 

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28 March 2025 Final fourteen homes complete Kerikeri development The new homes, including two built for those living with disabilities, are ready for whānau to move in following a whakawātea (blessing ceremony) by hapū leaders of Ngāti Rēhia.

Source: New Zealand Government Kainga Ora

The homes complete the second and final stage of the 22-home development, which includes park space and fruit trees for residents.

Jeff Murray, Kāinga Ora Regional Director – Northland, says the homes have been built for people of all ages and abilities.

“The homes are a range of sizes and styles, making them suitable for small families, couples and older persons. Two of the ground floor homes are also accessible providing those living with disabilities, illness or injury, greater independence,” he says.

The accessible homes include design features such as wide hallways and doorways, power point and light switches at suitable heights, wet bathrooms, handrails and level access both into the home and to enjoy the outdoor deck area.

Kipa Munro, Chair of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rēhia, says the finished development has stayed true to the name ‘Te Tira’ which was gifted by their hapū.

“Te Tira has not only lived up to its name, which means homes that are climate smart, secure and respectful, the homes also represent a small but important step towards addressing the housing shortage facing whānau in the Far North,” he said.

Jasem Saleh, Development Director at Gemscott, says Te Tira has been a collaborative project focussed on well-built and well-designed homes.

“At every step of this project we have worked in close partnership with the community, Ngāti Rēhia, Kāinga Ora and the Far North District Council, and the finished homes are testament to these partnerships.

“We have taken great care to not only deliver high-quality homes, but also homes where everyone has access to outdoor living, be it a garden, patio or balcony, as well as opportunities to connect and socialise at the park space just for residents,” he says.

Suitable whānau on the Ministry of Social Development’s Housing Register will be matched to the homes over the coming weeks.

L-R Jeff Murray, Regional Director – Northland Kāinga Ora, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi, MP for Te Tai Tokerau, Te Pāti Māori, Nora Rameka, Board Trustee – Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rēhia, Kipa Munro, Chair – Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rēhia, Babe Kapa, Far North District Council Representative for Ngā Tai o Tokerau Māori Ward, Peter Thomas, GM Te Aka Wahiora, Te Whatu Ora

 
 

Page updated: 28 March 2025

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27 March 2025 A new home brings new opportunities Jack’s new home at a Kāinga Ora complex in New Plymouth has been life-changing in more ways than one. As well as having a stable place to call home, the complex’s community room has become the perfect place for Jack to focus on his future and take up new opportunities.

Source: New Zealand Government Kainga Ora

“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