14 | Te Āhuru Mōwai T T Kelly Deeks Providing homes and changing lives Te Āhuru Mōwai was established by Ngāti Toa Rangatira in 2020 to manage more than 950 homes across western Porirua, REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Porirua-based community housing provider (CHP) Te Āhuru Mōwai is making a positive impact with its kaupapa Māori model and mission to deliver more than just homes for families in need. As the largest iwi-owned-and-led CHP in Aotearoa, Te Āhuru Mōwai was established by Ngāti Toa Rangatira in 2020 to manage more than 950 homes across western Porirua, but that difference goes well beyond bricks and mortar. Alongside providing warm, dry and affordable homes, Te Āhuru Mōwai runs a range of wellbeing initiatives and experiences aimed at supporting tamariki and whānau to thrive. Programmes have included family excursions to places like Zealandia, Te Papa, and Staglands, opening up experiences that many tenant whānau might not otherwise have had access to. Digital inclusion is another key focus area. Te Āhuru Mōwai has distributed 120 free digital devices to tamariki, and is facilitating free internet access to many of its families. “We don’t want our kids missing out just because they live in Porirua in a social home, and not elsewhere,” chief executive James Te Puni says. The organisation has also run a solar energy pilot across 18 homes, installing both panels and battery storage to help families reduce power costs and increase energy resilience. “A few months ago, we had a power cut across a suburb, but the lights and fridge stayed on in our pilot homes. The savings are making a difference for whanau,” James says. T T to page 16 Reliable. Professional. Proven. Void Property Works Bio-cleaning Grounds Maintenance Glazing & Flooring Installation Internal & External Painting Fencing Electrical & Plumbing (New Builds & retrofits) Waste & Rubbish Removal Carpentry & Decorating Meth Decontamination Commercial & Residential Cleaning At Ratonga, we believe construction is about more than just buildings —it’s about people. From vacant homes to full-scale developments, we create safe, welcoming spaces with care, skill, and pride. We’ve restored over 50 empty homes, remediated 40+ meth-affected properties, and completed 350+ projects across the North Island. Our team of 20+ professionals —electricians, plumbers, roofers, and builders—work seamlessly to deliver quality, safety, and reliability on every job. We promise clear communication, flexible solutions, and a commitment to your vision—from the first conversation to the final walkthrough. Let’s build something better—together. With heart. With hands. With Ratonga. We’re ready to support your next project! Contact Us 027 399 1111 admin@ratonga.co.nz
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