New housing for Katikati elders officially opened

Whanaungatanga (connection) and manaakitanga (care and hospitality) were at the heart of yesterday’s official opening of the new Heron Crescent elder housing development in Katikati - Te Āhuru Mōwai o Hiria.

The opening ceremony marks the completion of 26 brand new, purpose-built homes for older people – recognising Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s commitment to working with others to provide access to housing that’s affordable, safe, secure and suits different needs and stages of life.

Located at 15 Heron Crescent, the $11.1 million project replaces 11 original 40-year-old units with 26 warm, modern homes, fully funded by the Government’s Better Off Fund ($4.6 million) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development’s Affordable Housing Fund ($6.5 million) — at no cost to ratepayers.

Western Bay Mayor James Denyer says the opening of Te Āhuru Mōwai o Hiria is a special moment for Katikati, and Council’s long-term vision for elder housing.

“These new homes are about more than just housing. They represent the kind of community we want to be: a community that values its elders, supports their wellbeing, and creates spaces where people can live with dignity and connection.”

“I want to thank everyone who brought this project to life. The priority that our elected members gave to enabling housing for our most vulnerable, our property team and other staff, the strong partnership with tangata whenua, iLine Construction as the builders, and the Government for the funding that enabled this development.

“I know this will become a fantastic asset for our community and show the value of planning for the future and working together with our partners to deliver lasting outcomes for our people.”

Council’s Operations Manager, Kerrie Little, says the completion of this project is a great example of how Council’s housing priorities are being delivered for Western Bay communities.

“We know that access to affordable housing is becoming harder for older people, especially in towns like Katikati where many homes are larger and not suited to those looking to downsize. The demand is growing, but the options are few,” says Kerrie.

“By providing warm, purpose-built homes close to the heart of town, we’re helping older people with affordable housing needs to stay connected to the community and continue to be part of the strong social fabric that makes Katikati such a special place to live.”

The name of the complex - Te Āhuru Mōwai o Hiria - has been gifted by local hapū, Ngāi Tamawhariua. Āhuru Mōwai translates to sheltered/calm haven, where our elders are kept safe, while Hiria pays tribute to an early resident of the first homes and descendant of Ngāi Tamawhariua, Hiria (Celia) Wills, née Purukamu.

Each of the three blocks has been named after a nearby maunga (mountain) - Mauao, Hikurangi and Kaimai - with each facing its namesake. These maunga each have rich history and connection with tangata whenua.

Design elements woven throughout the complex — including tukutuku panels, Poutama patterns, and block names that face the maunga Mauao, Hikurangi and Kaimai — embody a deep connection to whenua (land), whakapapa (heritage), and local identity.

Hone Winder-Murray, chair of Ngāi Tamawhariua, says the names and cultural design elements honour the mana of kaumātua and affirm a shared responsibility to ensure their wellbeing in a space that reflects identity, connection and the enduring spirit of Ngāi Tamawhariua.

“Te Āhuru Mōwai o Hiria represents the beginning of a new era for our hapū. This project has been an incredible journey, one grounded in genuine partnership, shared aspirations, and a commitment to honouring mana whenua presence in Katikati.”

A Ministry of Housing and Urban Development spokesperson says “it gives us great satisfaction to see these new affordable homes being completed and know that people will be moving into their new kāinga (homes). The Affordable Housing Fund helps enable homes for people who need affordable housing. We hope that these new homes bring warmth and a sense of community for the older New Zealanders who will live in them.”

Currently, 20 of the 26 new units are tenanted, with most residents having moved in during June. Council is continuing to work through applicants on the waiting list and welcomes new applications at any time.

Te Āhuru Mōwai o Hiria is the third elder housing complex in Katikati, adding to the seven units on Beach Road opened in 2024 and six units on Tui Place. This brings Council’s total elder housing units to 85, with 39 in Katikati, 34 in Te Puke and 12 at Waihī Beach.

For more information about the project, visit:
https://yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz/heron-crescent-elder-housing

To check elder housing eligibility criteria and to apply, visit: http://www.westernbay.govt.nz/community/elder-housing