Making way for a new Kāinga Ora project

Contractors made short work of the buildings on the corner of Roebuck Road and Norman Road last week, to make way for a block of apartments which are earmarked for Kāinga Ora clients. Picture by Liam Clayton

The former Woodrose Furnishings shop has been demolished to make way for a new Kāinga Ora housing development.

The building was demolished last week.

“Kāinga Ora is partnering with ICONIQ Group and has an agreement with them to purchase 10 new, modern apartments when they are built, on the corner of Roebuck Road and Norman Road,” Kāinga Ora East North Island acting regional director Roxanne Cribb (Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga) said.

“There will be eight two-bedroom and two three-bedroom adjoining apartment homes built, with completion in mid-2024. Once the homes are completed, ownership of them will pass to Kāinga

Ora.

“It’s pleasing to see early work now started on this site, with these ‘easy to care for’ apartment-style homes a welcome addition to the homes we can offer Kāinga Ora customers.

“These apartments will help get more Tairāwhiti whānau out of unsuitable accommodation and in to a healthy place to call home.

“We anticipate building activity will take place between 7.30am and 6pm Monday to Saturday. No work will be carried out on Sundays or public holidays.”

The site will be landscaped with hedging and native plantings, with specimen trees on Roebuck Road. There will also be outside shared green space areas.

Kāinga Ora will match homes to individuals and whānau on the Ministry of Social Development’s Housing Register with the “highest priority” for a home of that size and in that location.

“The size of the homes means they will be most suitable for couples and small families, and medium-sized families in the two 3-bedroom homes,” a Kāinga Ora information leaflet says.

The project is expected to be completed by mid-2024.