New Kāinga Ora homes built by Nelson NMIT construction students completed

The three two-bedroom homes in Kawai Street were built on NMIT’s Richmond campus by around 30 carpentry students undertaking the NZ Certificate in Construction and NMIT-managed carpentry apprentices, under the guidance of trade-qualified tutors.

The homes were transported to the Kawai Street site earlier this year, where they were fitted out inside, and landscaping was completed.

Julia Campbell, Regional Director Nelson, Marlborough and West Coast, says the aim of the Kāinga Ora partnership with NMIT is to increase housing supply in the Nelson Tasman region, and to provide enhanced learning opportunities for students entering the construction industry.

“The students have the chance to gain real world experience while building houses for people in need of a warm and dry home,” Ms Campbell says.

The homes, which have replaced one older Kāinga Ora home, were built to Kāinga Ora specifications and Kāinga Ora project managers visited the NMIT site regularly during the build process.

NMIT Executive Director Olivia Hall says the partnership has been beneficial to ākonga (learners) at NMIT, helping to create pathways into the building industry.

“Through this experience, our learners are equipped with the skills they need to hit the ground running when they enter the workforce. We pride ourselves on producing graduates who are industry-ready and this is a great example of that. It’s wonderful to be part of this initiative, which will also benefit local families and the wider community.”

Ms Campbell says residents are expected to move into the new homes in the coming weeks. “Our Kāinga Ora placement team is currently working to place people into the new homes. We’re really looking forward to giving people the keys to the doors.”

Julia Campbell, Kāinga Ora Regional Director Nelson, Marlborough and West Coast and NMIT Executive Director Olivia Hall outside three new Kāinga homes in Nelson South.