New state homes delivered in eastern Porirua

Associate Minister of Housing Kris Faafoi joined Ngāti Toa Rangatira kaumatua and local officials at a blessing ceremony for 10 homes at Castor Crescent.

Patrick Dougherty, Deputy Chief Executive – Construction and Innovation at Kāinga Ora says the new homes are fully insulated, have double glazing, and meet the 6 Homestar rating. “The 8 two-bedroom homes and 2 five-bedroom have been built to a very high standard, and it’ll be exciting to see the new tenants move in from next week and enjoy the benefits of living in new, warm dry and healthy home,” he says.

One of the new homes at Castor Crescent

The 10 houses are the first stage in Castor Crescent, with the second stage (20 homes) and third stage (23 homes) set for completion later this year. In total, the Castor Crescent development will have 53 homes, with a range of different sizes (24 one-bedroom, 20 two-bedroom, 4 four-bedroom and 5 five-bedroom).

“This new development site, which previously housed 27 ageing and earthquake prone state houses, is a perfect example of how Kāinga Ora is working to make better use of their land and space to house New Zealanders,” says Patrick

In addition to the new Castor Crescent, another 14 new state homes in Cannons Creek will be completed in the next couple of months. This shows the momentum is increasing with the Porirua Development to provide more housing in eastern Porirua,’’ says Patrick.

More homes are needed, and we are increasing the pace and scale of our build programme to help meet the demand for public housing. Nationally Kāinga Ora has delivered has delivered over 2,600 homes in under three years with over 7,000 homes to be delivered over the next two –to-three years.

The Castor Crescent homes are part of a 25 year programme to revitalise Porirua’s housing stock.

The Porirua Development sees Kainga Ora – Homes and Communities, working with the community, Ngāti Toa Rangatira and Porirua City Council, on the delivery of around 2,000 state homes upgraded making them warmer drier and healthier; the delivery of around 2,000 market and affordable houses and an additional 150 public houses.

While housing will play a leading role in this regeneration plan, work with the eastern Porirua community, the local iwi Ngāti Toa and the Porirua City Council to unlock the potential for social and economic growth to make it a better to live, work and raise families.