130 | Tuapiro Marae T T Kelly Deeks Bringing everyone home The marae has partnered with Modspace and Classic Connect to deliver a mix of modular homes. “I want Tuapiro Marae to be a living community, a place where our people, from our nannies and koros to our babies, can connect and thrive every day.” COMMUNITY Tuapiro Marae is celebrating a major milestone in its journey to bring whānau home and strengthen its community, with the first stage of a longawaited papakāinga housing project now well underway. Marae chairman Shaan Kingi says the initiative — ten warm, healthy homes for kaumātua — is the realisation of years of planning, persistence, and aroha. “The very first home arrived on June 17, which was a huge day for us and our community,” Shaan says. “To finally see our kaumātua homes becoming a reality — it’s emotional.” The marae has partnered with Modspace and Classic Connect to deliver a mix of modular homes. The homes include both two- and three-bedroom options to cater for the needs of elders and the mokopuna often in their care. “Our kaumātua are the backbone of our marae,” says Shaan. “Some of them are raising their grandchildren, so it was important we provided homes that fit the way our whānau live. This project is about looking after those who have always looked after us.” For Shaan, the project goes far beyond bricks and mortar. It’s about reimagining what marae life can be in modern times. “Too often, marae have become places we visit for events and then leave again,” he says. “I want Tuapiro Marae to be a living community, a place where our people, from our nannies and koros to our babies, can connect and thrive every day.” The idea for the papakāinga first began in 2018, driven by the growing number of kaumātua experiencing housing insecurity. “We were seeing our elders sleeping on the streets, couch surfing, or struggling in low quality rentals they couldn’t afford,” Shaan says. “That’s not what community looks like. That’s why this housing project became our priority.” Backed by Te Puni Kōkiri, the Stage One development represents a pilot for a much larger vision. Once the first ten homes are complete, Shaan hopes to move forward with plans for a further 20 homes, creating opportunities for whānau to return to their whenua and live alongside their elders. “I’m not a housing specialist, but I’ve got the drive, and I’ve got the people behind me. This is just the start. We want to bring our big families home. Too often landlords don’t want to rent to families with six kids. So, we’re going to support them at home,” he says. Alongside housing, the marae is exploring ways to support whānau wellbeing, training, and employment. Plans are in motion for a wellness centre, community garden, and agriculture and horticulture training opportunities on marae land. “We’re right by Tauranga Moana, so why shouldn’t we be getting into aquaculture, farming, managing orchards, and training our own people?” Shaan says. “We want to revive those traditional skills our nannies and koros taught us, while also creating jobs for the next generation.” The official opening of the new papakāinga is set for December 6, marking a new era for Tuapiro Marae. “This isn’t just about housing,” Shaan says. “It’s about restoring dignity, connection, and opportunity for our people. It’s about bringing everyone home to a bright future.”
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