He Kāinga Māori – Tūkōkeke

He Kāinga Māori – Tūkōkeke is a new housing development in Whakatāne led by Te Tohu o Te Ora o Ngāti Awa, providing 15 affordable homes for low-income workers to rent below market rates and save for future home ownership.

Location

Bay of Plenty, New Zealand

Client

Te Tohu o Te Ora o Ngāti Awa

Project Status

Complete: March 2025

Supporting iwi-led housing solutions in Whakatāne

WSP is proud to have supported the delivery of He Kāinga Māori – Tūkōkeke, a transformative housing development led by Te Tohu o Te Ora o Ngāti Awa (Ngāti Awa Social and Health Services Trust). This project marks a significant step forward in providing sustainable, affordable housing for low-income workers in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

A new model for community wellbeing

Opened on Friday 28 March, He Kāinga Māori – Tūkōkeke comprises 15 new homes available for rent at below-market rates. This model enables tenants to save for a deposit on their first home, supporting long-term housing security and financial independence.

The concept of a Kāinga Māori goes beyond housing. It reflects a holistic approach to community development, encompassing health and social services, education, and employment training. Rooted in whakapapa and cultural identity, Kāinga Māori fosters a strong sense of belonging and collective wellbeing.

WSP's role

WSP played a key role across all stages of the project—from early planning and feasibility through to design and implementation.

Our multidisciplinary team provided:

Civil design services

Construction management

Social procurement support

Professional advisory and guidance

The design of the Kāinga Māori was developed in close collaboration with Ngāti Awa, ensuring it reflects local culture, values, and aspirations. The result is a built environment that enhances user experience and strengthens community connections.

A kāinga Māori is connected to the history of the place. It is connected to whakapapa and it is connected to the things that make or give life to the village

Enid Ratahi-Pryor

Enid Ratahi-Pryor

Partnering for long-term impact

This project reflects a broader shift, with iwi organisations increasingly stepping into the role of housing providers. By partnering with government and community housing agencies, iwi are delivering innovative housing solutions such as shared ownership, rent-to-buy, and subsidised rental schemes.

These initiatives not only address the housing crisis but also support wider social outcomes—such as retaining key workers in regional centres where affordable housing is scarce.

Looking ahead

With more Kāinga Māori developments planned, WSP remains committed to supporting Te Tohu o Te Ora o Ngāti Awa and building strong partnerships with other iwi across Aotearoa. Our goal is to help deliver infrastructure that empowers communities and builds local capability—aligning with our purpose: We exist to shape communities and advance humanity.