Housing boost at Flaxmere as Ngāti Kahungunu unveils 6 new homes

Wendy Schollum (left) with Katie Nimon, Bayden Barber, Kellie Jessup, Chris Bishop, Chrissie Hape and Steve Gordon at the opening of six new homes on Whakaruru Cres in Flaxmere. Photo / Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi

Ngāti Kahungunu has celebrated the opening of six new homes on Whakaruru Cres in Flaxmere, part of its ongoing revitalisation of the suburb.

Pāharakeke Flaxmere is one of Hastings’ fastest‑growing suburbs and since 2019, it has been a part of the Hastings Place-Based Housing Plan partnership.

Hastings District Council has prepared land for housing, progressing four parcels of council‑owned land for development by a mix of iwi, non‑government organisations and private developers.

In July 2023, the community gathered with the council to celebrate the completion of groundworks and the naming of the new road, Whakaruru Cres, in honour of long‑time Flaxmere advocate Steve Whakaruru, who played a significant role in the development of Te Aranga Marae.

In early 2025, the council confirmed a partnership with Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi and Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga (TToH) to deliver around 45 affordable, good-quality homes on the site.

Friday marked another milestone for Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi, as these homes form part of the Kahungunu Kāinga Affordable Rental Programme, which provides safe, high‑quality housing designed specifically for Ngāti Kahungunu iwi members, supporting long‑term whānau wellbeing and housing security.

Hastings Mayor Wendy Schollum said a crucial part of the success of these affordable homes was the partnership with iwi.

“Soon six whānau will live in these houses to make them their homes.”

Ngāti Kahungunu chairman Bayden Barber said it was fantastic to celebrate the milestone.

“It’s been important that we walk together with our partners as we continue to build affordable, safe housing for our whānau.”

The Flaxmere development aligns with the wider Whai Kāinga Whai Oranga programme, a four‑year, $730 million Crown commitment to accelerate Māori‑led housing.

In 2022, Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi entered into a Housing Investment Partnership with Te Tūāpapa Kura Kāinga Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, and Te Puni Kōkiri, securing $45.3m to advance iwi housing aspirations.

Barber said to date, Kahungunu Kāinga had supported over 135 whānau into accommodation.

Ngāti Kahungunu chief executive Chrissie Hape said she was very pleased with the Kahungunu Kāinga team.

Hape also acknowledged the hard work of the contractors to help meet goals.

“These homes are the culmination of 18 months of negotiation and work with our partners.”

Last year, Kahungunu Kāinga opened 20 affordable and healthy new rental homes on Russell St in Ōtāne, Central Hawke’s Bay.

More homes are planned to go up in Te Whanganui A Orotū, Woodville and Wairarapa.