Community celebrates 10 new homes in Tūrangi

Around 100 people gathered earlier this month to join in the blessing of and celebrations to mark the completion of 10 new homes at Parekarangi Grove and Te Wharekaihua Grove.

The homes were blessed by Ngāti Tūrangitukua, alongside neighbours and representatives from Taupō District Council, Police, Fire and Emergency, Hato Hone St John and Neighbourhood Watch. Students from Te Kura O Hirangi marked the occasion with waiata and a haka.

The single and double storey homes are a mix of two, three and four bedrooms, and replace four old Kāinga Ora homes which had come to the end of their life. The modern homes are double glazed, and have carpets, curtains, off street car parks and a fenced easy care private section.

Build partner Devon Homes started work on site in April 2023, completing the homes on time, and as much as possible used local Tūrangi and Taupō contractors and suppliers during construction of the homes.

Darren Toy, Bay of Plenty Regional Director for Kāinga Ora says the homes will be welcomed by local whānau needing a home.

“These whare will be a place to call home for whānau, including tamariki, and give them the best chance of a new life in a warm, safe, dry and modern house as part of their wider community.

“It was a proud moment for myself and the team to celebrate the completion of these lovely new homes alongside Ngati Tūrangitukua, councillors, community organisations and neighbours.

“It’s been over 40 years since new public housing homes were last built in Tūrangi – so their completion is significant for both the community and for Kāinga Ora.”

A further 12 homes in Tūrangi are currently under construction by a developer for Kāinga Ora, with completion of the Tureiti Place and Rangiamohia Road homes expected in mid-2024.

The Tūrangi community came together for blessings by Ngāti Tūrangituku and visits to the 10 new homes at Parekarangi Grove and Te Wharekaihua Grove