22 | Tū Mai Rā Developments: Holmes Construction T T Karen Phelps Meeting community housing needs “We aim to build sustainable communities and nurture new ideas that create value for our whānau, residents, partners, and communities.” REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Tū Mai Rā Developments is constructing what it believes to be the Wairarapa region’s first walk-up apartment complex on Renall Street, a 2020sqm site acquired through the 2017 Te Tiriti settlement process. “Part of the rationale was to build new housing types for Wairarapa. We’re looking at various ways of delivering more affordable housing,” says Malcolm Thomas, Tū Mai Rā Developments project manager. The development comprises 10 architecturally designed homes spread across three buildings featuring one-, two-, and three-bedroom options. Construction, which commenced in March 2025, has now reached its halfway point, with Holmes Construction leading the build towards practical completion in March 2026. Renall Street will operate as affordable rental accommodation. Long-term tenancies will be administered by professional managers, who provide wraparound support services to residents, and rents will be set substantially below market rates. Ownership remains with Tū Mai Rā Investments, ensuring the asset continues serving the community’s needs. “Rangitāne identified that housing was a strategic pillar and critical issue for local Māori,” explains Malcolm. “Building a modern housing environment that is warm, safe and feels right takes effort. It is more than the building materials and the landscaping – it is about crafting a place that whānau considers home and we hope that these homes will provide a safe and healthy place that will help whanau to achieve their aspirations.” He says the site’s location, positioned close to Masterton’s centre on an established, treelined street, made it a desirable long-term asset to deliver this kind of housing. Each unit has been designed with sun orientation and privacy in mind, and several apartments incorporate features suitable for people with mobility requirements. The development includes 10 on-site car parks. Tū Mai Rā Developments operates as a business unit of Rangitāne Tū Mai Rā Investments, which was established in October 2017 to manage the $32.5 million in commercial and financial redress assets provided under Te Tiriti settlement. The organisation’s mandate centres on sustainable asset growth while fulfilling responsibilities outlined in the Deed of Settlement. “Tū Mai Rā Developments is focused on improving people’s housing experience through the development of our properties and supply of affordable housing,” explains Malcolm. “Guided by the values of our tūpuna, our aspiration is to leave a legacy where our chilTū Mai Rā Developments operates as a business unit of Rangitāne Tū Mai Rā Investments, which was established in October 2017 to manage the $32.5 million in commercial and financial redress assets provided under Te Tiriti settlement. office@eliteroofingservices.co.nz New roofs • Re-roofs • Skylights • Spouting • Edge protection • Roof reports
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