State houses being built on old Berkenhoff Lodge site in Taupō

Kāinga Ora has built four single storey two-bedroom houses in Elizabeth St, Taupō.

The Taupō District is experiencing a minor burst of state house construction.

Fifteen new Kāinga Ora homes have been added to the district in the last two months – seven in Tūrangi and eight in Taupō – while another 10 are under construction on the former Berkenhoff Lodge site in Taupō, with completion due in mid-2025.

The seven single storey houses (six two-bedroom and one three-bedroom) built in Rangiamohia Rd in Tūrangi, were blessed by kaumātua Te Takinga New and Amy Walker from Ngāti Tūrangitukua last week while in Taupō Reverend Peace Mitchell blessed four single storey two-bedroom houses in Elizabeth St, alongside representatives from Te Korowai Roopu Tautoko and neighbours.

Four other state houses were completed in Taupō in September, and Kāinga Ora was also in the early planning stage for more construction in Terence St, Taharepa Rd and Richmond Ave.

Bay of Plenty ora regional director for Kāinga Ora Darren Toy said the location and quantity of additional houses are based on government direction with the Crown agency looking to keep locals in the loop.

“We assess proposed development opportunities based on financial metrics, housing need, site profile and other criteria.

“We look to engage with communities where we are delivering homes, to ensure they are aware of what is planned. The nature and timing of this engagement varies from case to case but can include letter drops, community drop-in sessions and digital tools.”

The seven single storey houses (six two-bedroom and one three-bedroom) built in Rangiamohia Rd in Tūrangi by Kāinga Ora.

The most recent 11 houses have been built by developer build partner TW Property, with Kāinga Ora taking ownership on completion. They have double glazing, carpets and curtains, an easy care fenced outdoor area and off-street parking.

The 10 due to be completed next year are on the site of the former Berkenhoff Lodge on Scannell St.

The lodge was badly damaged by fire in November 2022 and had previously been used for emergency housing.

Toy said it was heart-warming to see whānau moving in.

“Whānau moving into these houses in Taupō and Tūrangi, most of whom have children, will be excited and also very relieved to have a safe, warm and dry place to call home.

“Most have come from emergency housing motels and other temporary accommodation, and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live in a new house will feel to them like the best early Christmas present possible.”

The families have been carefully matched to the new homes to support them living together as neighbours and as part of the wider community, Kāinga Ora says.