Ngāti Awa Housing Development Named Finalist for Building Nations Social Impact Award

A Whakatāne social housing development that provides a supportive village environment for whānau is being recognised on the national stage. Te Tohu o Te Ora o Ngāti Awa, the social and health service for Ngāti Awa, has been named a finalist for the Social Impact award at Infrastructure New Zealand's Building Nations 2026 Impact Awards. The nomination celebrates Tūkōkeke Kāinga Māori, a Golf Links Road development that has introduced a new model for housing on Māori land. According to reporting by RNZ and Local Democracy Reporter Diane McCarthy on 14 August 2026, the award acknowledges projects that achieve outstanding outcomes through collaboration with Māori and local communities. Tūkōkeke Kāinga Māori opened in March 2025 with 15 homes situated adjacent to health and social service offices. The model is designed to sit between traditional social housing and full market rentals, offering affordable options for working families with aspirations of homeownership. Te Tohu o Te Ora o Ngāti Awa chief executive Enid Ratahi-Pryor stated that the housing programme is intended to empower residents to move from poverty toward wellness. This transition is supported by culturally grounded housing and access to financial support services. The village is currently at full capacity, reflecting the high demand for this integrated community model. The success of the project has already led to further expansion. Te Tohu o Te Ora o Ngāti Awa has commenced work on a second project, Kawarehe Kāinga Māori, located on a 15-hectare site near Huna Road. This new development is being delivered in partnership with Kawarehe Trust and Adventure Solutionz. The winners of the Building Nations awards will be announced at a gala event in Christchurch on 20 August.