Te Taumata o Ng\u0101ti Whakaue Housing Ltd is the housing arm of Te Taumata o Ng\u0101ti Whakaue Iho Ake Trust, which has supported wh\u0101nau across health, education and social services since 2005.<\/p>\n
The company\u2019s chairwoman, Anahera Waru, said the development reflected both the scale of housing need in Rotorua and a deep commitment to doing things differently.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a proud day for our iwi and for our wh\u0101nau,\u201d Waru said on Friday.<\/p>\n
MPs, councillors and neighbours gathered at Stembridge Rd on Friday for the ceremony. <\/p>\n
\u201cToo many of our wh\u0101nau are facing housing insecurity \u2013 on the streets, in overcrowded homes, or caught in cycles that make it almost impossible to get ahead. We saw both an opportunity and a responsibility to help address not just the immediate need for homes, but the underlying conditions that create housing instability in the first place. Today marks the moment we break ground on that vision.\u201d<\/p>\n
The development will deliver 38 single-level homes on a 3.5ha site on Stembridge Rd, on whenua leased from Ng\u0101ti Whakaue Tribal Lands. <\/p>\n
The homes have been designed to meet wide needs, with four one-bedroom homes for rangatahi, 15 two-bedroom homes for kaum\u0101tua and 19 three-bedroom homes for families.<\/p>\n
All homes would be single-level.<\/p>\n
Rents will be set at no more than 25% of household income. People on the Housing Register can apply.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is about more than building houses. It\u2019s about creating the conditions for wh\u0101nau to succeed over time,\u201d Waru says.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe understand the drivers behind housing instability \u2013 the pressures around income, debt, employment, health and wh\u0101nau wellbeing. That\u2019s why we\u2019re making sure the right support is in place from day one. When wh\u0101nau feel stable, safe and supported, everything else becomes possible.\u201d<\/p>\n
Te Taumata o Ng\u0101ti Whakaue Housing Ltd chairwoman Anahera Waru and Signature Homes director Brent Warner address a public meeting in Ngongotah\u0101. Photo \/ Kelly Makiha<\/p>\n
The use of iwi land was central to the project\u2019s philosophy. By leasing the Stembridge Rd site from Ng\u0101ti Whakaue Tribal Lands, the development kept whenua in iwi hands while directly benefiting wh\u0101nau, Waru said. <\/p>\n
She said it reflected a growing national conversation about the role of iwi in leading housing solutions.<\/p>\n
Signature Homes is building the houses.<\/p>\n
Public meetings were held in Ngongotah\u0101 before the project got underway.<\/p>\n
Waru said constructive feedback was received about traffic, parking and wider infrastructure issues. <\/p>\n
\u201cThose concerns have been heard and will continue to inform the project as it progresses.\u201d<\/p>\n
Construction is expected to start immediately, with the development targeted for completion by June next year \u2013 at the time of the M\u0101ori New Year. <\/p>\n
Waru said the timing was deliberate as Matariki represented \u201crenewal, remembrance and hope for the future\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen wh\u0101nau first get their keys, that will be the moment that matters most,\u201d Waru said.<\/p>\n
\u201cKnowing they have a warm, beautiful k\u0101inga in a peaceful setting, with stability and support, this is how our people will thrive not just survive,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n