30 new homes for Wairoa in construction

Whakamanamana Ltd is the development company behind the project. After two devastating floods in 2023 and 2024, Director of Operations Benji King wanted to come home and build on his involvement in the Wairoa community.

“It’s clear that Wairoa has a dire need for more homes. I was happy to get stuck in to make sure the 30 homes that were proposed some time ago, get built.” Once completed, Kāinga Ora will purchase the homes for use as social housing.

“It is rewarding to see siteworks progressing well. They should be completed in the next three months. Framing for the first homes has been erected and it is full steam ahead to get more homes started.”

“We have contracted PCS Projects to build and manage the project. Fred van der Sande has been involved in this development for the last couple of years and he is the project manager.

“A big focus for Fred and the PCS team has been to ensure local labour is used on the project. They have worked with the Wairoa Young Achievers Trust (WYAT) to recruit local rangatahi and ensure they have the opportunity to work towards a qualification. This has resulted in more Wairoa people taking on apprenticeships. It also means that 85% of the people working on the development are locals.

Naomi Whitewood, Kāinga Ora Regional Director East North Island says Kāinga Ora is focused on delivering social housing in areas where it is most needed. “Wairoa is definitely one of those areas and we are happy to be a partner to this development. Seeing progress made on the site means that mokopuna and whānau will be moving into warm, dry, safe homes by the end of the year.”

Wairoa District Council Deputy Mayor Denise Eaglesome. “The good that comes from this project is endless. A housing development of this size bounces our economy by giving local people work. We know that Wairoa needs more housing, there are too many people in this region that don’t have a home. Having a nice place to live is so important for whanau wellbeing.”

The first homes on Tihitihi Pa are expected to be completed late this year with more following in 2026. They will be low maintenance and fully insulated with carpets, curtains, double glazing and heat pumps.

Some of the new state homes being built in Wairoa