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MEDIA RELEASE – 26 August 2025

Ngāti Kahungunu Celebrates Milestone Housing Development in Ōtane​

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Today, Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated (NKII) proudly celebrated the opening of the Ōtane Housing Development on Russell Street, Central Hawke’s Bay, marking the completion of the first 20 homes under the Whai Kāinga Whai Oranga programme.

 

Whai Kāinga Whai Oranga is one of four national prototypes driving Māori-led housing solutions, supported by the New Zealand Government. Translating to “to have a home, to have wellbeing,” the programme reflects a holistic vision that places whānau needs, cultural connection, and community resilience at its core.

 

In his opening remarks, Iwi Chair Bayden Barber paid tribute to the many hands that brought this kaupapa to life: “Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini – Success is not the work of an individual, but the work of many.”

He continued, “This is not just about housing, it’s about mahi, about connections with marae and hapū, and about working together. This prototype is a stepping stone toward mana motuhake. Kahungunu is doing what we need to do to uplift our whānau.”

 

The event was attended by representatives from Te Taiwhenua o Tamatea, CHB District Council, Te Puni Kōkiri, Ministry of Social Development, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga, and other key partners including builders, property managers, bankers, and iwi leader Willie Te Aho of Toitū Tairāwhiti Housing Limited, who leads one of the other three national prototypes.

 

Central Hawke’s Bay Mayor Alex Walker reflected on her journey since 2017, when she first raised the urgent housing need with Government and was met with silence. “These are not just houses,” she said. “We see them as community-building. This is an incredible environment to thrive.”  She acknowledged the unwavering support of Taiwhenua and iwi leaders who stood alongside Council to make this vision a reality.

 

Malo Ah-You from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development expressed his joy:

“This is the best day of my job, to come and see brand new homes. This is what community is all about: looking after our people.”

 

Willie Te Aho acknowledged the Government agencies and local leaders who continue to enable this Kaupapa, and praised the dedication of the housing teams behind the scenes.

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The homes designed to be affordable and aspirational will be rented at 80% of the market rate, giving whānau the chance to save for future home ownership. Westpac Bank managers Christeve and Jimmy announced free financial training programmes to support renters on their journey to becoming homeowners.

 

The development features a mix of two- to four-bedroom homes, each equipped with a carport, garden shed, and a single driveway. Built with open-plan living and indoor-outdoor flow, the homes reflect modern design tailored to whānau needs. Soil was turned in October 2024, with construction beginning in November. Today, 20 architecturally designed homes stand as a testament to collaboration and vision.

 

Following a karakia by Kaumātua Lum Tahuri, Mayor Walker and Chair Bayden Barber cut the ribbon, inviting attendees to walk the streets and explore the homes. The homes were blessed in preparation for the opening by Kainga Ora Kai Karakia Tipene Heperi and Te Otane Huata on Saturday, 23 August.

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Ngāti Kahungunu Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated is a Mandated Iwi Organisation/Authority. Ngāti Kahungunu is the third largest iwi.  Geographically, the tribe has the second-longest coastline in the country, stretching from Paritū in the North to Turakirae in the South. Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated maintains an independent position to provide research, advice and advocate for the interests, rights, values, beliefs and practices of Ngāti Kahungunu alongside our whānau and hapū. Our mission is to enhance the mana and well-being of Ngāti Kahungunu.

 

Media Inquiries

Contact Ruth Wong, Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated, Director of Smart Services and Communications Advisor. 0272139547