Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated (NKII) has opened six new homes on Whakaruru Crescent, marking a major milestone in the ongoing revitalisation of Flaxmere and the NKII’s delivery of affordable, high‑quality housing for whānau.

Flaxmere is one of Hastings’ fastest‑growing suburbs, and new housing is essential to meet both current demand and future population growth. Since 2019, the suburb has been a key focus of the Hastings Place Based Housing Plan – a multi‑agency and community partnership committed to providing much‑needed homes across the district.

Hastings District Council has played a central role in preparing land for housing, progressing four parcels of council‑owned land for development by a mix of iwi, non‑government organisations and private developers.

In July 2023, the community gathered with Council to celebrate the completion of groundworks and the naming of the new road, Whakaruru Crescent, in honour of long‑time Flaxmere advocate Steve Whakaruru, who played a significant role in the development of Te Aranga Marae. 

In early 2025, Council confirmed a partnership with Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated (NKII) and Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga (TToH) to deliver around 45 affordable, quality homes on the site. 

These homes form part of the Kahungunu Kāinga Affordable Rental Programme, which provides safe, high‑quality housing designed specifically for Ngāti Kahungunu iwi members, supporting long‑term whānau wellbeing and housing security.

Mayor Wendy Schollum commented: “A crucial part of the success of these affordable homes is our partnership with iwi. I acknowledge everyone here today to celebrate this moment. Soon six whānau will live in these houses to make them their homes.” 

NKII Chairman Bayden Barber added: “It’s been important that we walk together with our partners as we continue to build affordable, safe housing for our whānau. This is a fantastic day to celebrate another milestone.”

The Flaxmere development aligns with the wider Whai Kāinga Whai Oranga programme – a four‑year, $730 million Crown commitment to accelerate Māori‑led housing. In 2022, Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi entered into a Housing Investment Partnership with Te Tūāpapa Kura Kāinga – Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, and Te Puni Kōkiri, securing $45.3 million to advance iwi housing aspirations.

To date, Kahungunu Kāinga have supported over 135 whānau into accommodation, and continue to innovate to meet the growing demand for affordable, sustainable housing.

NKII Chief Executive Chrissie Hape commented: “These homes are the culmination of 18 months of negotiation and work with our partners.  I’m very proud of our Housing team Steve Jane Hannah and Tori and our builders Auaha,  2 Easy Build and Vercoe Construction including their sub- contractors.”

Last year Kahungunu Kāinga opened 20 new, affordable, and healthy rental homes on Russell Street in Ōtāne, Central Hawke’s Bay. In the near future more homes are planned to go up in Te Whanganui A Orotū, Woodville and Wairarapa. 

For more information about these homes go online: www.housing.kahungunu.iwi.nz