Final fourteen homes complete Kerikeri development

The homes complete the second and final stage of the 22-home development, which includes park space and fruit trees for residents.

Jeff Murray, Kāinga Ora Regional Director – Northland, says the homes have been built for people of all ages and abilities.

“The homes are a range of sizes and styles, making them suitable for small families, couples and older persons. Two of the ground floor homes are also accessible providing those living with disabilities, illness or injury, greater independence,” he says.

The accessible homes include design features such as wide hallways and doorways, power point and light switches at suitable heights, wet bathrooms, handrails and level access both into the home and to enjoy the outdoor deck area.

Kipa Munro, Chair of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rēhia, says the finished development has stayed true to the name ‘Te Tira’ which was gifted by their hapū.

“Te Tira has not only lived up to its name, which means homes that are climate smart, secure and respectful, the homes also represent a small but important step towards addressing the housing shortage facing whānau in the Far North,” he said.

Jasem Saleh, Development Director at Gemscott, says Te Tira has been a collaborative project focussed on well-built and well-designed homes.

“At every step of this project we have worked in close partnership with the community, Ngāti Rēhia, Kāinga Ora and the Far North District Council, and the finished homes are testament to these partnerships.

"We have taken great care to not only deliver high-quality homes, but also homes where everyone has access to outdoor living, be it a garden, patio or balcony, as well as opportunities to connect and socialise at the park space just for residents,” he says.

Suitable whānau on the Ministry of Social Development’s Housing Register will be matched to the homes over the coming weeks.

L-R Jeff Murray, Regional Director - Northland Kāinga Ora, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi, MP for Te Tai Tokerau, Te Pāti Māori, Nora Rameka, Board Trustee - Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rēhia, Kipa Munro, Chair - Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rēhia, Babe Kapa, Far North District Council Representative for Ngā Tai o Tokerau Māori Ward, Peter Thomas, GM Te Aka Wahiora, Te Whatu Ora