First of Te Rauā affordable rental homes to be unveiled in Wairoa on Monday

The first of 43 affordable houses being built on a Kitchener Street site in Wairoa will be officially blessed and unveiled on Monday.

Affordable housing for Wairoa whānau is about to take a big step closer, with the first four homes ready for tenants before Christmas.

Following Cyclone Gabrielle and the subsequent flood events in North Clyde and Kōpū Road, Wairoa has faced a severe shortage of safe, healthy homes and affordable rentals.

Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa’s Te Rauā residential development involves 43 homes — all of which will be affordable rentals.

The first four homes will be blessed on Monday, then unveiled by Ikaroa-Rāwhiti MP Cushla Tangaere Manue and Napier MP Katie Nimon.

The 43 homes in the Kitchener St development include one- to four-bedroom units catering to various household sizes.

“This underscores the trust’s commitment to providing affordable housing solutions for the community,” Tātau Tātau chief executive Lewis Ratapu said.

“This flagship project is now open for expressions of interest from whānau to apply for a home.”

Eligible whānau can apply annually for a Te Rauā Affordable Rental Grant, allowing them to pay only 80% of the market rent.

“Te Rauā is intended to support households who do not qualify for public or social housing and/or the Income-Related Rent Subsidy (IRRS). The goal is to guide whānau in Te Rauā into permanent housing through various pathways to home ownership,” Ratapu said.

Originally planned as a 56-unit project, the development has been revised to include 30 larger whānau homes built onsite and 13 transportable kaumātua-sized whare.

“This change ensures that the homes are better suited to the local community and its needs.

“The development is thoughtfully planned with smart urban design, parking, safe vehicle and pedestrian flow, landscaping, lighting, signage, art, and green spaces planted with rongoā and kai.”

The addition of a 13-bedroom supported living complex is particularly timely as Wairoa has no rest homes or retirement villages since the Glengarry facility was affected by the North Clyde flood last year, he said.

“The supported living complex, Tokotoko O Te Rangi, will be the final stage of the development and will provide essential support and accommodation for our kaumātua in need, further demonstrating our commitment to holistic community development.”

Ratapu said the project had been built around whanaungatanga, ensuring kaumātua remained at the heart of their community, surrounded by their whānau, rather than having to move into rest homes.

“Our Ministry of Housing and Urban Development grant has been essential in helping us realise our vision for these 43 affordable rental homes.”

Once all the homes get completed the TToTW Trust team will oversee the selection process and manage tenancy.

“Te Rauā housing development is more than just a construction project; it is a community endeavour aimed at fostering stability and support for whānau in Wairoa,” Ratapu said.

“As we continue to build and expand this initiative, we look forward to seeing families thrive in their new homes.

“Together we are creating a brighter future for our community.”