Wairoa housing development builds homes and futures

The Tihitihi Pā development on Black Street will see 30 new state homes built in a town still recovering from the devastating floods of 2022 and 2023. These are the first new state homes constructed in Wairoa in many years.

Seven homes are now complete, with another 10 expected to be finished by the end of the year. The final 13 homes are scheduled for completion in early 2026. The homes, ranging from single and double-storey designs, including duplexes and standalone houses, are being developed by Whakamanamana Ltd and will be purchased by Kāinga Ora for social housing as they are completed.

Some of the first 7 homes completed.

Given the recent flooding events, the whole site was elevated to reduce future flood risk before any building started.

Graeme Broderick, Kāinga Ora Regional Director for the East North Island, says the project is a milestone for the community.

“The shortage of warm, dry homes in Wairoa is well documented, and the situation became critical following the two major floods in 2023. The completion of the first stage means families currently living in transitional or unsuitable housing will soon move into safe, long-term homes—a very positive development for our community.”

But the benefits go beyond housing. The project is also helping to grow local skills and careers.

PCS Projects is the build contractor, with Fred Van der Sande managing the site. Ten local men have been working on the development since the beginning, including four who are progressing through building apprenticeships.

“For the guys doing their apprenticeship they can’t complete it if are just doing small jobs. It doesn’t provide enough scope. To complete their apprenticeship, they need to a set number of hours spent on all the aspects of building a house. We are providing that opportunity times 30.“

Several homes under construction in Tihitihi Pā

One local apprentice, Waiora, says “I was traveling out of town each week to try and complete my apprenticeship. Once I started working on Tihitihi Pā, I finished it in eight months. I’m now fully qualified and helping my workmates do the same. Here, we are part of the full picture; involved in building the homes from start to finish.”

The project has also involved more than a dozen locals in siteworks over the past two years, and a local flooring and painting company—also employing an apprentice—is contributing to the build.

Tihitihi Pā is not just building homes—it’s building futures.