Kāinga Ora is set to open its latest social housing apartments in Pukekohe.
The Kāinga Ora development on the corner of Victoria and Seddon Streets is the third of its housing developments to be completed for the Franklin area within the past 12 months, providing 56 new homes for social housing.
Kāinga Ora Regional Director – Counties Manukau Angela Pearce said the development replaces three old state homes with 25 new ones, including five one-bedroom, 15 two-bedroom, and five three-bedroom homes.
“On average, the total construction costs of each home is $680,000. Dominion Construction was appointed as the building partner, and construction began in July 2023.”
Pearce said that as of 31 December 2024, there are 150 households on the Housing Register for the Franklin Local Board area, managed by the Ministry of Social Development.
“Our placement team is already working to identify suitable tenants, and once they sign their tenancy agreements, they will be able to move in.”
When the Franklin Times toured the apartment block, prospective tenants were already looking through the homes. Pearce said the building was awaiting a council code of compliance but hoped to have tenants moving in before Easter.
She said all ground floor apartments have accessibility features such as wide doorways, lower wardrobes and spacious bathrooms to better accommodate people with physical disabilities. Each apartment has a designated car park, and the outdoor space includes raised gardens and a shared play area.
Kāinga Ora will also have a working hub onsite where staff, local support services and agencies can connect with tenants.
Pearce said there was a pipeline of projects still under planning and development stages for the Franklin Local Board area. According to its website, Kāinga Ora has identified two locations in Pukekohe as potential redevelopment sites: 4 – 6 Frank Hewitt Street and 172-178 Wellington Street. Meanwhile, 91 Beatty Road, Pukekohe is in the early stages of planning and design, with the proposed development being subject to funding at a future date.
