Summarised by Centrist
Ngāti Whakaue has unveiled Manawa Gardens, an 80-home rental development on iwi land in Rotorua’s Ōwhata suburb. The project aims to ease the local housing shortage.
The $46.5m project, in partnership with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, offers affordable rentals at 75% of market rates and is prioritised for Ngāti Whakaue and Te Arawa descendants.
Located on Māori-titled land, Manawa Gardens is the first of three stages, each adding 80 homes over the next six years, with housing options ranging from one- to four-bedroom units.
The project features community amenities like gardens, green spaces, and an electric car charging station.
The initial phase received over 115 applications, with half of the units being occupied. To ensure community safety, Ngāti Whakaue implemented a strict vetting process, disallowing gang affiliations. “The goal was to create a family-friendly space that respects the land and offers comfort to its tenants,” said Tribal Lands general manager Ray Morrison.
Ngāti Whakaue Tribal Lands, primarily a farming trust since 1960, has shifted focus to address the city’s housing needs, launching a broader housing strategy in 2022. This includes initiatives for home ownership, kaumātua housing, and job training for locals. The trust is also developing Wharenui Rise, a 1,100-home subdivision, on adjacent land.
Editor’s Note: While the Manawa Gardens development is a commendable project, it also involves substantial government funding. To ensure transparency, the terms of such public-private partnerships, including financial commitments and ongoing funding details, should be routinely included in reporting on projects of this nature.
