Who we are

Providing homes, building communities

At Kāinga Ora, we deliver quality social housing across the country that meets the needs of New Zealanders. We maintain financial sustainability while being a responsible landlord who genuinely cares for our tenants and communities. Through partnerships with government agencies, local councils, iwi, and private sector organisations, we create warm, dry, and healthy homes that help people build stable lives.

What we do

Providing social housing

We manage over 77,000 state houses throughout New Zealand, providing stable homes for more than 200,000 New Zealanders. Our commitment includes:

• managing state-owned social housing that meets community needs 
• delivering homes that are warm, dry, and fit-for-purpose in locations where people need them most
• acting as a responsible landlord who maintains properties and supports tenants while serving communities effectively
• integrating social housing with wider community infrastructure.

Tenancy management and community support

We believe good housing means more than just four walls. Our approach balances:

• improving tenancy management that leverages the Residential Tenancies Act to create better outcomes for tenants and communities 
• fair and consistent landlord practices that offers support while maintaining clear expectations about rent payments and community respect 
• strategic partnerships with social service providers to connect tenants with employment opportunities, education resources, and health support 
• specialised accessible and supported housing solutions for those with disabilities and unique needs.

Strengthening New Zealand's social housing portfolio

We're leading the transformation of social housing through:

• comprehensive renewal of ageing properties to create warmer, drier, and healthier living environments
• strategic expansion of state housing in high-demand areas and replacement of obsolete properties
• innovation in housing design and construction standards that balance quality, efficiency, and value
• smart maintenance systems that ensure long-term sustainability and cost-effectiveness.

Delivering integrated urban development

Our vision extends beyond individual homes to complete communities. This includes:

• creating vibrant, connected neighbourhoods that thoughtfully integrate housing and essential community infrastructure
• transforming outdated housing into modern, more energy-efficient homes that meet diverse needs
• ensuring developments incorporate accessible public amenities, greenspaces, and community facilities that enhance quality of life.

The gift of our name

Our name, Kāinga Ora, carries deep meaning.

Kāinga represents not just a whare (house) but the concept of home, wellbeing, and belonging. Ora means life, health, and prosperity.

Together, Kāinga Ora reflects our commitment to creating thriving communities where people feel safe, supported, and connected.

To learn more about the story behind our name and its significance, watch a brief conversation between Te Ariki Pihama, Ringa Raupā Deputy Chief Executive Māori, and the Honourable Nanaia Mahuta, former Minister for Māori Development as they discuss its meaning and cultural importance.

Watch the video(external link) or download Kāinga Ora - how to say our name [PDF, 64 KB].

Our values

At Kāinga Ora, our work is guided by three core values that inform everything we do:

Manaakitanga – Putting people first

We place people at the heart of our decision-making, ensuring everyone we serve feels valued and respected. This commitment means:

• taking time to listen deeply to communities and understand their unique needs
• creating safe, stable housing environments where families and individuals can flourish
• connecting tenants with tailored support services that enhance overall wellbeing.

Mahi Tahi – Achieving more by working together

We believe meaningful partnerships create better outcomes for all New Zealanders. Our collaborative approach involves:

• nurturing genuine relationships with tenants, communities, and stakeholders
• maintaining transparent communication about our housing initiatives and development plans
• working alongside Māori and iwi to develop housing solutions that honour cultural values and needs.

Whanake – Striving for better

We continuously seek improvement and embrace innovation in everything we do. This forward-thinking mindset drives us to:

• deliver homes that exceed standards for sustainability, accessibility, and comfort
• invest in long-term solutions that build resilient, connected communities
• develop integrated urban projects that thoughtfully blend housing with essential infrastructure and vibrant public spaces.

These values inform and shape our long-term vision for creating sustainable, integrated communities, and our daily that ensures that social housing is more than just a place to live. Together we are setting the foundation for a better, brighter future across New Zealand.

Our history

Kāinga Ora was established in 2019 following the merger of:

• Housing New Zealand Corporation
• HLC (Housing New Zealand’s development subsidiary)
• KiwiBuild

New Zealand has a long history of public housing, dating back to 1894, with governments committed to providing secure, high-quality homes.

Explore our history

Partnering with us

Kāinga Ora works alongside:

• government agencies such as the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (MHUD), the Ministry of Social Development (MSD), and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).
• local councils to support community growth.
• Māori and iwi partners to deliver housing solutions for Māori.
• community organisations and social service providers to ensure tenants receive support beyond housing.