
23/07/2025
🏠PRESS RELEASE WEDNESDAY JULY 23 2025 🏠
Te Nehenehenui is proud to announce a major housing initiative for the iwi; Te Kirikiri Housing Development – a 40-home affordable rental housing project located between Mangarino Street and Esplanade in Te Kūiti.
The name ‘Te Kirikiri’ has been gifted by local hapū, Ngāti Rōrā, and carries the original name of the whenua, recognising the connection and history of those who once lived in the area.
The development will be situated on a 3.4-hectare section currently owned by the Waitomo District Council, which Te Nehenehenui is in the process of acquiring. With funding support from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, this project is set to transform underutilised whenua (land) into a community hub for our people.
Te Nehenehenui Group CE, Samuel Mikaere says the development represents a tangible step toward realising Te Kawau Rukuroa 2050 strategy and its Five-Year Plan (Punga) goal of supporting 200 Maniapoto whānau into safe, secure, and quality homes.
“This is more than just housing – it is about strengthening our people, creating opportunities, and shaping a future where our whānau can thrive. Te Nehenehenui are focused on delivering smart, sustainable solutions for the iwi, and Te Kirikiri marks a major milestone in that journey.”
The Te Kirikiri Development will include:
20 accessible two-bedroom homes
20 three or four-bedroom homes
Read our full media release on our website https://tenehenehenui.iwi.nz/te-kirikiri-development-2025/