36 | Recognition for Kaikohe housing development The 13-home affordable housing project won an excellence award in the Kāinga Ora Community and Affordable Housing Property Award category. Gemscott Developments: Te Ara Ki Te Atua T T Kelly Deeks REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT A recognition for excellence in the 2026 Property Industry Awards is reinforcing Gemscott Developments’ reputation for delivering community-focused housing projects at pace, with the company’s Te Ara Ki Te Atua development in Kaikohe earning national recognition. The 13-home affordable housing project won an excellence award in the Kāinga Ora Community and Affordable Housing Property Award category, highlighting a collaborative approach that brought together Gemscott, Kāinga Ora, Te Rūnanga Ā Iwi O Ngāpuhi, and the Far North District Council. Gemscott Development Director Jasem Saleh says the project was designed to provide warm, healthy, and secure homes for local whānau while reflecting Māori values including whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, and kotahitanga. Jasem says the recognition reflects the strength of the partnerships behind the project and the willingness of everyone involved to work toward a common goal from the outset. “Te Ara Ki Te Atua was built on trust, collaboration, and shared purpose,” Jasem says. “When everybody is aligned early and committed to finding solutions, you can achieve exceptional outcomes in a very short time frame.” The project moved at remarkable speed, with resource consent approved within four working days and the full development completed in just 110 working days from demolition through to final inspection. The project timeline was ambitious, particularly through the Christmas period, but clear communication and strong project management helped maintain momentum. Frames for all 13 homes were erected within around 30 days of construction beginning onsite, with inspections and approvals streamlined through close cooperation with council staff. Construction was delivered by Taylor Construction Group, with support from local contractors and suppliers including Kerikeri Contracting. The pace of delivery was driven by urgent housing demand across the region. The homes were created for local families, with all tenants confirmed from within the surrounding communities. Jasem says Te Ara Ki Te Atua demonstrates what can happen when councils, iwi, developers, contractors, and government agencies work collaboratively and communicate openly throughout the process. “One of the project’s greatest successes was the integrity shown throughout the process and the commitment to ensuring the homes were delivered to a high standard.” Te Ara Ki Te Atua aligns closely with Gemscott’s broader vision for residential development across the North Island. Since launching in 2014, the developer has built a strong reputation and earned multiple awards across the private, public, and affordable housing sectors, with its focus on neighbourhoods designed to support long-term community outcomes. Jasem says affordable housing developments should not compromise on quality or community connection. “We are building more than homes. We are helping create places where people feel secure, connected, and proud to live. “The biggest success for this project is knowing 13 families now have warm, dry, healthy homes and that the wider community has benefited through local employment and investment.” The project generated significant work for local contractors and suppliers throughout the build, providing a boost for the regional economy alongside much needed housing delivery. The success of Te Ara Ki Te Atua has created a strong platform for future collaborative housing developments for Gemscott and reinforced the value of working with integrity and shared purpose. Building Communities To Last Gemscott delivers high-quality private, public and affordable housing across the North Island. info@gemscott.co.nz gemscott.co.nz Strong foundations. Stronger builds. We’re Taylor Construction—an award-winning team specialising in multi-residential builds across the country. We deliver high-quality homes — terraces, duplexes, standalone houses and multi-storey apartments — for iwi partners, Kāinga Ora, community housing providers and the private market. Get in touch to discuss your next project. Call: (09) 265 1863 Email: projects@taylorconstruction.co.nz www.taylorconstruction.co.nz
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