First Homes Completed in Porirua’s Our Whare Our Fale, Boosting Jobs & Families

Pacific Peoples Minister Dr Shane Reti and Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka say the project is already strengthening the local economy while giving families access to stable, affordable housing.

The Government has announced the completion of the first stage of the Our Whare Our Fale housing programme in Eastern Porirua—an initiative designed to deliver hundreds of warm, secure, and culturally grounded homes for Pacific families. Pacific Peoples Minister Dr Shane Reti and Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka say the project is already strengthening the local economy while giving families access to stable, affordable housing.

First Homes Completed, Marking Key Milestone

The initial construction phase has delivered:

• 18 new warm, energy-efficient homes, designed for multigenerational households

• A communal fale, serving as a shared cultural space and gathering area

These homes represent the first stage of what will eventually be up to 300 affordable homes by 2034, forming one of the most significant Pacific-focused housing developments in the country.

Supporting Local Jobs and Skills

The construction phase has so far provided employment for around 36 people across trades, engineering, design, and support services. As the programme expands, more local employment opportunities will continue over the next decade.

Dr Reti says the project is a model for community-led development:

“This programme is strengthening the local economy while helping families into stable, healthy homes designed for multigenerational living.”

Minister Potaka adds that the work directly reflects the Government’s focus on practical, results-driven action:

“It supports families to achieve home ownership and live in healthy, sustainable communities.”

A Partnership Approach With Deep Community Roots

The initiative is led by Central Pacific Collective (CPC) in partnership with Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira and the Ministry for Pacific Peoples. The Government has committed $114.6 million toward the development, enabling a long-term, community-based housing solution.

To ensure long-term affordability, the programme includes:

• Shared-equity financial support, helping families with deposits and reducing ongoing housing costs

• Perpetual land leases from Ngāti Toa, removing the financial barrier of land ownership

• Homes built at cost, rather than including profit-driven margins

These measures are designed to break long-standing affordability barriers and help Pacific families remain connected to their communities.

Building Homes and Building Futures

Minister Potaka says the project represents a new standard for partnership-driven housing:

“This programme shows the value of working alongside community organisations and iwi to improve economic and health outcomes for families.”

Dr Reti adds that Our Whare Our Fale is making measurable change:

“These initiatives build affordable homes, strengthen financial skills, and give families the security they need to thrive.”

Both ministers acknowledged the leadership of CPC, Ngāti Toa, and the Ministry for Pacific Peoples in driving progress.

Next Homes and Move-In Timeline

The programme remains on track with:

• A further 32 homes expected by late 2026

• Families scheduled to begin moving in by the end of this year

The construction of additional homes will continue to generate local employment while delivering long-term, intergenerational housing benefits for Pacific communities.