Category: New Zealand Government

The project sets a new standard for community-focused living by integrating housing with support services designed to help residents thrive. The development replaces 54 outdated homes with a mix of one-bedroom apartments and multi-bedroom family homes, several of which are designed to be accessible, catering to a range of needs. These homes have been built to the highest standards of warmth, dryness, and energy efficiency, providing a safe and secure environment for individuals and families.

Vicki McLaren, Kāinga Ora Regional Director for Greater Wellington, describes the development as a milestone in creating inclusive communities. “The Epuni Development is more than just housing; it’s about creating a supportive, connected, and inclusive community. This project is a shining example of what can be achieved when we work in partnership to meet housing and social needs together.”

The development also features landscaped outdoor spaces and a shared community room, fostering a sense of connection among residents. On-site support services are delivered through key partnerships with Tākiri Mai te Ata Whānau Ora Collective and He Puāwai Trust. Tākiri Mai te Ata provides wraparound support including financial mentoring, mental health services, and health navigation, while He Puāwai Trust offers holistic whānau support that focuses on the well-being and empowerment of families. Together, these partnerships ensure residents not only have a place to call home but also access to the resources they need to thrive.

“This development isn’t just about numbers—it’s about creating a place where individuals and families can feel secure and supported,” says Vicki McLaren. “From energy-efficient designs to accessible layouts, every detail has been considered with the residents in mind.”

Partnerships have been central to the success of the Epuni Development. Kāinga Ora worked closely with Urban Plus, Hutt City Council’s housing development agency, to further enhance the community’s housing options. Urban Plus is currently constructing 30 affordable townhouses on part of the site, fostering a balanced and inclusive neighborhood. Reflecting on this collaboration, Vicki McLaren adds, “ by partnering with organizations that share our vision, we’ve created a balanced and inclusive community. This project showcases how collaboration can lead to meaningful, lasting change.”

The Epuni Development not only addresses the urgent demand for housing but also establishes a blueprint for future projects. By integrating housing with community spaces and support services, it demonstrates Kāinga Ora’s commitment to long-term well-being and stability for its residents. “The Epuni Development sets a benchmark for future projects,” concludes Vicki McLaren. “It reflects our dedication to delivering not just homes, but thriving communities where people can truly belong.”

Page updated: 27 January 2025

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Rangitāne have kindly gifted the name ‘Te Raki Pae Ora’ to this development, meaning the northern abode of activity and light. The name ‘Whare Manaaki’ was gifted to the community space. This signifies the importance of this space and the opportunities it will bring to everyone.

Soho Group built the homes over an 18-month period which Kāinga Ora will own and manage going forward.

Ben Noone, General Manager at Soho Group, says: “These homes have been a real team effort, and we especially want to acknowledge the team of over 50 mostly local contractors that have been on site getting the work done.”

“When master planning the development, we aimed to add to and enhance the community. The design of the outdoor spaces and how they connect with the community space and other existing amenities, including the school, enables better connections for neighbours and the wider community.”

Most whānau who will move into these homes come from the Ministry of Social Development’s Housing Register. They will have a Housing Support Manager assigned to them who will support them as they settle into their new home and community.

“For whānau needing a place to call home in Palmerston North, these homes will be life-changing,” says Graeme Broderick, Regional Director Taranaki, Whanganui and Manawatū.

“Having a stable home is important to all aspects of a person’s life – from education and employment to physical and mental health. Just one Kāinga Ora home can have a lifelong impact that spans generations.

Kāinga Ora and Y Central have entered a partnership for the shared community space at the development, which the wider community will use.

Y Central will coordinate the community space, manage bookings and facilitate activities and services, while Kāinga Ora is responsible for the maintenance of the space.

“This partnership allows us to connect with the local community, providing a space where families and individuals can come together, build connections, and grow stronger together,” says Y Central CEO Anthony de Rose.

“We believe in creating opportunities for communities to thrive by fostering safe, engaging, and family-friendly programmes and activations. We look forward to the journey ahead and the positive impact this collaboration will have on the community.”

Families will start moving into the new homes in the next few weeks.

Page updated: 24 January 2025

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“Living our lives has been so much easier since we moved in. We really feel at peace here.”

A few short months ago, life was very different for the family.

The home they were living in wasn’t helping eight-year-old Alex, who benefits from calming spaces because of her autism.

“Alex is sensitive to noise and over-stimulation and where we were living was really the opposite of what we needed to function as a family.

“It was a really busy environment with a lot going on. The home was small and didn’t have a proper backyard space we could retreat to when Alex needed a calming space, which made things difficult.

“We just weren’t happy there and it was stressful,” says Natasha.

Not being able to go outside and having room to be apart when Alex needed her own space was challenging for the family.

Now settled in their new Kāinga Ora home, they have the space they need and Natasha is glowing about the difference this has made.

“We used to wake up not knowing what Alex we would get and how we would manage that. But this home has meant we don’t worry about that anymore.

“Its location and surroundings have really helped us manage Alex’s needs. The neighbourhood is quiet and having a big backyard has provided us the space we need,” Natasha says.

All of this has improved day-to-day life for the family, with Alex less affected by her surroundings.

“Her sleeping has improved and we’re finding she doesn’t get agitated as much as she used to. She’s finding school a lot easier too.

“We’re finding we can do more things together as a family as well, like going for walks or going to visit my parents down the road more often.

“Being a single-mum and working part-time, it’s nice to know I can go off to work to provide for my kids and know that they’re more settled and thriving.

“I’m so grateful for this home and the way it’s transformed our lives,” says Natasha. 

Page updated: 16 January 2025

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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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