From Whangārei to Invercargill new homes are ready for whānau

This work is part of the Kāinga Ora renewals programme, which replaces or upgrades older state homes, so they better meet the needs of New Zealanders now and into the future. Our focus is on ensuring we have the right homes in the right places helping more people access safe, stable housing, with large numbers of tenants moving into the new homes throughout July.

From Northland to Southland

Whangārei - the final 39 homes were completed at the largest social housing development in regional New Zealand. Close to schools, shops, public transport and health services, the homes make everyday life easier for tenants. One of the first people to move in was Bob, who says: "I like being here. It's warm, it's comfortable and I can do things in my own time."

Māngere, Auckland - 14 new homes, mostly four-, five- and six-bedroom homes, are providing more options for larger families.

Ōtara - 18 new homes are replacing 10 older homes built in the 1970s that had reached the end of their useful life and were becoming increasingly expensive to maintain. The development includes 6 two-bedroom, 6 three-bedroom and 6 five-bedroom homes and is part of 73 new homes being delivered across Ōtara and Papatoetoe by the end of 2026.

Rotorua - 36 new homes are helping people move from transitional housing into long-term homes. The development forms part of wider work by local agencies to respond to housing need and reduce homelessness in the city.

Nelson - 16 new homes were welcomed by Nelson Central School Principal Pip Wells, who sees first-hand the difference stable housing makes. "When tamariki transition into warm, stable, purpose-built homes, the benefits to their education are profound. We see healthier kids, fewer sickness-related absences, and an end to the disruptive cycle of constantly changing schools."

Bryndwr, Christchurch - two neighbouring sites have been transformed, with 5 older state homes replaced by 15 new, modern homes that better meet tenants' needs. The development includes 11 two-bedroom and 4 three-bedroom homes, close to local amenities including schools, transport links and the Jellie Park Recreation and Sport Centre.

On the West Coast, 10 new homes in Westport have replaced older properties that were no longer fit for purpose. Four of the homes were built offsite through a Kāinga Ora and Department of Corrections partnership at Rolleston Prison near Christchurch.

Further south, 16 new homes were completed on the former Longford Tavern site in Gore, increasing the town's supply of state housing by almost half. Another 7 homes were completed in Invercargill, where one tenant said the move had given their whānau "a fresh start at a time when we felt there was very little hope left."

As well as providing homes where they are needed most, these projects support local jobs and help strengthen communities across New Zealand.

Read more on how we are delivering new and improved state housing.