Taawaenga milestone brings neighbours together

Stage 2 of the development includes a mix of larger homes including nine four-bedroom homes, one five-bedroom home and two six-bedroom homes, to support bigger and multigenerational families.

Taawaenga is a name gifted by Mana Whenua, acknowledging the area’s history as a rich ecosystem of wildlife and native plants.

For one tenant who moved into her Stage 1 home almost a year ago, the celebration was a reminder of how far her whānau has come. Before Taawaenga, she and four children lived off-grid for five years.

“Not having your own place is so stressful,” she says. “I started to feel useless because I couldn’t provide something as basic as a home for my kids and my moko. I had good references and a good background, but I just couldn’t get a house privately.”

“Moving here was a lifesaver. Having our own space has made the biggest difference. We don’t take simple things for granted like being able to turn on a tap, have a hot shower, or flick a switch for light.”

“I’m so grateful to have a home here. I absolutely love the house. It’s warm, and my health has improved so much since moving in. The kids are thriving too,” she says.

She also values the sense of community: “I love this community and the people in it.”

The quality homes were built by our partner, Penny Homes, using mostly local tradespeople, says Graeme Broderick, Regional Director Bay of Plenty. “This development has made a significant investment in Rotorua’s economy. Kāinga Ora now has purchased the completed homes for social housing to help meet high demand in Rotorua’s Eastside.”

“As more whānau move in over the coming weeks, our focus is on helping people settle in well and strengthening connections across the neighbourhood. We’re working alongside local organisations that know the area best, so whānau are supported to live well, play safely and feel part of the wider community.”

“We’re also setting up a temporary Kāinga Ora office nearby so support for new and existing tenants is close at hand. Our expectation is simple: everyone at Taawaenga is a good tenant and a good neighbour. A strong community is something we build together.”