Of the homes, six were rented out for lower than market rates with two as home ownership models. These could be sold to descendants of one of the original beneficiaries of the trust.
The Aorangi Maori Trust Board spearheaded the project with the aim of providing affordable housing for their beneficiaries.
Construction began in August last year with some of the first residents, Yvonne and Allan Sheeran, moving into their new home in January.
"It's really great to live here," Ms Sheeran said. "It's very safe, and everybody's really lovely."
Yesterday was exciting for the Sheerans, as the pakakainga represented a new beginning and everybody was able to come and see where they lived.
The trust would be doing a review on the model to see what was working, what else residents would want or want changed.
The results of this review would determine the nature of the other 32 homes the trust hoped to build in the future on neighbouring land.
The opening was the culmination of a century and a half struggle to return the land to the tupuna it was taken from in 1850.
Project manager and Aorangi board member Paul Sheeran said it was about celebrating the new while remembering the old.
In the 1970s the trust, with the support of Ngati Hawea, had bought 3.4ha of land back from the Government.
In the 1850s, 2913ha was taken by the Crown.
But yesterday was about celebrating the success of the board's work, and the project.
After a Ta i te Kawa the crowd of iwi, dignitaries and those who helped build the homes were welcomed on to the papkainga.
A pou was unveiled by Professor Roger Maaka, Ahi Robertson, and chairman of the Aorangi Maori Trust Board, Tipene Heperi.
As karakia rang out, three saplings were planted by dignitaries within the communal area.
Guests were also given a tour of the one innovative homes of the pakakainga which Mr Sheeran said was kept empty for the occasion.
Landscaper Mr Thomas said a year ago the land was just weeds and grass, while today's low maintenance layout allowed for privacy and communal living.