32 | DEVELOPMENT Ngäti Whakaue Tribal Lands: Manawa Gardens Development T T Karen Phelps Innovative approach to housing shortage The properties range from one to four bedrooms, incorporating both single- and double-storey options to cater for diverse tenant needs. The first 80 homes of Manawa Gardens affordable housing development in Rotorua was officially launched in November, marking a significant milestone in addressing the region’s housing crisis through an innovative partnership between Māori landowners and the Government. Developed by Ngāti Whakaue Tribal Lands on six hectares of Māori-titled land along Wharenui Road, Manawa Gardens represents a $46.5 million collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to create quality affordable rental accommodation, while maintaining Māori land ownership. Ray Morrison, general manager of Ngāti Whakaue Tribal Lands, has been quoted as saying the original plan was to build a retirement home, but those plans changed to the rental development given Rotorua’s housing crisis. The development features thoughtfully designed homes that avoid the cramped feeling often associated with modern housing developments. The properties range from one to four bedrooms, incorporating both single- and double-storey options to cater for diverse tenant needs, from young families to empty nesters and kaumātua (elderly). Built with quality materials, the homes sit on easy-care sections and form part of a carefully planned community that includes dedicated spaces for kaumātua, community gardens and green spaces. The development also embraces sustainable technologies featuring an electric-car charging station, solar power and a wetland area. The project stands out for its innovative approach to land use and tenancy arrangements. Unlike conventional housing developments, the land cannot be sold. as it remains under Māori title, ensuring long-term benefits for the iwi and its people. Two property management companies have been engaged to oversee tenancies, with Ngāti Whakaue Tribal Lands maintaining ownership of the houses. Priority for tenancy is given to those of Ngāti Whakaue descent, followed by members of the wider Te Arawa iwi, though the development is also open to the broader community. A strict vetting process ensures suitable tenants, while maintaining the development’s commitment to providing stable, long-term housing solutions. Two more stages of equal size are planned, with each stage expected to take two years to complete. Once finished, Manawa Gardens will provide 240 affordable rental homes, making a substantial contribution to addressing housing needs in the Rotorua region. Ngāti Whakaue Tribal Lands: A Legacy of Land Stewardship Established on July 26, 1960, Ngāti Whakaue Tribal Lands Incorporation stands as a testament to the enduring connection between the Ngāti Whakaue people and their ancestral lands. The incorporation was formed through the strategic amalgamation of 34 Māori land blocks, creating a unified entity dedicated to preserving and developing these treasured territories for future generations. Today, the incorporation manages approximately 3000 hectares of land surrounding the Rotorua township, with its holdings thoughtfully distributed across various economic ventures. Of this land, 1800 hectares are dedicated to three sheep and beef stations, while 600 hectares are maintained in forestry operations. The remaining land includes various leased parcels, with significant portions preserved in native trees and riparian planting, reflecting the incorporation’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Ngāti Whakaue Tribal Lands has diversified its revenue streams through various lease arrangements, including telecommunication sites, rental properties, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility and several tourism operations across the whenua. This diversification strategy helps ensure sustainable income, while maximising the land’s potential for community benefit. Guided by the whakatauki ‘Mana Whenua, Mana Tāngata’, the incorporation maintains a dual focus on honouring both the land and its people. Their mission centres on safeguarding and improving corpus lands, while growing assets and enhancing the wellbeing of Ngāti Whakaue. The organisation has positioned itself as a significant contributor to the advancement of both Ngāti Whakaue lands and people, with a clear vision for sustainable development. House & Land packages from $875,000 TONY HEYWOOD 027 232 3022 tony.heywood@goldenhomes.co.nz
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