32 | T T Kelly Deeks Warm, healthy and affordable homes For many Māori families, returning to their ancestral land is more than just a housing solution, it is a cultural reconnection. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Sheeran Associates Ltd In the small rural settlement of Clive in the Hawke’s Bay, a housing project with a deeper purpose is taking shape, as Sheeran Associates spearheads a development that embodies its mission to help whānau build beautiful, warm, healthy, and affordable homes on their ancestral land and remain connected to their whenua, their roots, and their communities. Sheeran Associates has carved out a niche in high-quality residential construction, with a particular focus on Papakāinga housing. This latest development on Kohupātiki Road consists of two three-bedroom homes, a duplex with two two-bedroom units, and the necessary infrastructure to support them. For many Māori families, returning to their ancestral land is more than just a housing solution, it is a cultural reconnection. Sheeran Associates has been at the forefront of these efforts, supporting whānau in securing funding, navigating complex consent processes, and ultimately constructing affordable, warm, and healthy homes. “Our work involves helping whānau build Papakāinga on ancestral land,” says Sheeran Associates owner and CEO Paul Sheeran. “This particular land has been in the family for generations, originally divided from a larger block. It’s a privilege to assist whānau in turning their whenua into a sustainable, supportive community.” Papakāinga developments face unique challenges, particularly around infrastructure and regulatory approvals. Because this project involves multiple homes on a single title, Sheeran Associates worked closely with the Hastings District Council to secure resource consent. Paul says Hastings District Council is highly supportive of Papakāinga housing, recognising its importance in addressing the region’s housing shortage. Funding for these projects is made possible through various government grants and partnerships. Te Puni Kōkiri (the Ministry of Māori Development) provides funding towards vertical builds, while the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development supports infrastructure costs. Whānau trusts also contribute to the project, ensuring the financial sustainability of each development. Sheeran Associates’ impact extends beyond individual housing projects. Since its inception in 2013, the company has managed the development of more than 130 Papakāinga homes and secured upwards of $80 million in funding for whānau projects. With a dedicated team of eight core members and strong partnerships with local Māori tradespeople, the company is not just building houses, it is fostering self-sustaining communities. The Clive project also highlights the economic uplift associated with Papakāinga developments. Local businesses, including Māori-owned enterprises wherever possible, benefit from increased demand for services ranging from construction to interior design. “It’s not just about homes,” Paul says. “It’s about creating opportunities, strengthening whānau bonds, and ensuring future generations have a place to call home.” Despite challenges such as Cyclone Gabrielle’s impact on stormwater management and foundation engineering complexities, Sheeran Associates remains Designer and Installers of Wastewater Systems Rural Water Suppliers Drainlaying Andy 0274 496 876 office@hbwm.co.nz www.hawkesbaywastewater.co.nz Proudly Supporting Sheeran Associates Ltd committed to its kaupapa. The success of projects like the one at Kohupātiki Road underscores the potential of Papakāinga housing to address Aotearoa’s housing crisis while preserving cultural identity and heritage. As Sheeran Associates continues to expand its reach, working across 12 different district councils, it is also scaling up and working with larger Māori trusts on larger-scale community developments of up to 30 homes. “There’s a lot of support from both local and central government. We’re seeing more communities take control of their housing futures, and that’s something truly special.”
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