Warm welcome for new whare on Wanaka Street

The Kāinga Ora development, designed and constructed by Soho Group, includes 55 high-quality terrace and apartment homes, as well as a multipurpose community room.

Jeff Murray, Regional Director – Northland at Kāinga Ora, said it was a privilege to show so many people from the community through the new homes.

“We want to acknowledge everyone who came, including Mayor of Whangārei District, Vince Cocurullo, local hapū leaders from Ngati Hau and Te Parawhau, neighbours, business owners and a special acknowledgement to the children from Tiki Primary for their moving kapa haka.

“Our dedicated placements team will now work to identify those who are on Ministry of Social Development’s Housing Register that have housing needs in and around Tikipunga.

“The community will play a big part in helping tenants settle into these new homes, so it was really positive to see so many locals turn up to the opening and show their support,” he said.

Ben Noone, General Manager at Soho Group said they are proud of the Wanaka Street development - the third medium-density development the group has delivered for Kāinga Ora.

“These homes have been a real team effort, and we especially want to acknowledge the team of 40 subcontractors that have been onsite for the past 13 months getting it done.

“Not only are the homes high-quality, functional and energy efficient, they are set on a great site in a great location. We wanted to create a community not just homes, and that has been achieved by the onsite community gardens, children’s play area, and of course the multipurpose community room for resident use,” he said.

The architecturally designed homes come in a range of sizes, including 12 one-bedroom, 39 two-bedroom and 4 three-bedroom homes, suiting individuals, couples, small families, and older people / kaumātua.

The 2-level terrace homes and 3 level apartments are set across seven buildings on the former Tiki Tavern site, which neighbours Paramount Plaza and Whangarei Golf Course.

The placements process has now started, and tenants will start moving into the homes in the next few weeks.