Te Kohekohe Housing Development Completes Final Stage with Dawn Blessing
Te Kohekohe, New Zealand’s first housing complex co-owned and co-built between Iwi and a council owned organisation has officially reached completion. The final stage of this groundbreaking development, a collaboration between Te Hau Ora o Ngāpuhi (THOON) and Far North Holdings, was celebrated with a dawn blessing on Monday, 26th August.
Located on the former RSA site at 158 Broadway in Kaikohe, Te Kohekohe has been developed in three stages, culminating in the delivery of 60 new homes. The final phase introduces 13 two and three bedroom units in two-storey blocks, ideally suited for families.
As part of the project agreement, Far North Holdings provided property development expertise and support, along with coordination of the build from design through to the consenting process and construction through to completion.
Andy Nock, CEO of Far North Holdings, expressed his pride in the collaboration: "Our partnership is really valuable and has proven what can be achieved when working together strategically to secure funding and develop much-needed housing."
THOON CEO Tia Ashby made comment earlier in the project that “As an Iwi Māori provider, it’s exciting to be able to deliver housing solutions during a housing crisis and our partnership with Far North Holdings underscores a shared commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of whānau in our community.”
Te Kohekohe’s completion marks the realisation of a long-held vision to provide not just housing, but wrap around support for residents. Tia Ashby, reflected on the significance of the project, stating, “This was the fulfilment of a long-held dream... Everything that we're achieving was part of their vision back then.” She commented that the organisation had expanded from health services to providing community housing when it became clear the people they were treating kept falling ill because they were being sent to cold, damp and overcrowded homes.
The development has faced challenges, however, the dedication of both organisations has ensured the successful completion of safe, warm, and affordable homes for the Kaikohe community.
Ashby noted the complex would not only improve health and educational achievement, but would bring economic benefits and strengthen community bonds as more families settled into permanent homes. “It definitely takes a village to achieve a milestone like this and we’re truly grateful for the partnership with Far North Holdings and the council, and happy with the outcome.”
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