Wet weather creates difficult conditions on the site, pushing the project behind budget and schedule. Roofs go on the first homes and interior works begin. COO Kate Healy explains the cutting edge solar technology being integrated into the development.
The Ngāti Whātua iwi have been based in Tamaki for the last 300 years. Kāinga Tuatahi is a development of 30 medium-density houses designed especially for Ngāti Whātua descendants, including a significant proportion of first-time homeowners.
Underpinning the development is a focus on affordability, not just initial cost but long-term affordability over the life time of the houses.
Also key to the development was the expression of the cultural identity for Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and the principles of the hapū relating to environmental wellbeing and sustainable design. These values are present throughout the development in the form of community gardens, shared play spaces, zero waste initiatives, including worm farms, storm water planting, solar panels, solar access, walkability and cycling networks.