Kāinga Ora and Unitec partner to deliver quality homes

Kāinga Ora General Manager of Construction and Innovation Patrick Dougherty said the joint venture provided an opportunity to create a lasting legacy by delivering quality homes where there is immense need.

“It is the start of something great - our nation has a desperate need for the houses that you are going to be building.  It is great that we are able to work together to make it happen, and the quality that we need to have in our homes is being taught right here at Unitec.”

“It’s about creating homes and communities, and not just houses.”

Under the partnership, students will build homes onsite at the campus, supervised by Unitec Lecturer and project manager Joseph Pitovao (pictured above).

A contract to deliver an initial four homes, expected to be completed by the end of 2021, was signed last year. Three two-bedroom homes will be relocated to Opotiki and one five-bedroom home will be relocated to Gisborne.

Unitec’s Deputy Chief Executive Schools and Performance Nick Sheppard said the initiative was a collaboration that will benefit many, and was reflective of Unitec’s Te Noho Kotahitanga values. 

“This partnership is a prime example of how we can partner with industry to empower and enhance our communities while teaching our learners exceptional skills. We’re thankful to Kāinga Ora for placing their trust in us, our staff and most importantly our ākonga.”

“I’d also like to thank Lee Baglow and Jake Curran from our School of Trades and Services for their proactive approach in bringing us this opportunity.  We’re very proud of the School which has seen exponential growth over the past few years, and puts learners and communities at the heart of what they do.”

The homes are fully insulated to New Zealand standards, and double-glazed.  More than 120 carpentry students will work on the homes and all work will be carried out on site at Unitec’s Mt Albert campus. 

L to R: Lee Baglow, Head of School, Unitec; Nick Seymour, Programme Director Delivery, Kāinga Ora; Nick Sheppard, Deputy Chief Executive Schools and Performance, Unitec; Patrick Dougherty, General Manager Construction and Innovation Kāinga Ora; Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga, Deputy Chief Executive Pasifika, Partnership and Support, Unitec; Pip Schollum-Manase, Manukau Institute of Technology Tech Park Manager; and Jake Curran, Programme Manager Trades and Services, Unitec