21 February 2025

The first new state homes in Wairoa in many years are now being built. Thirty single-storey homes will be built on a two-hectare site, Tihitihi Pā. The development will see a mix of two, three, four and six-bedroom homes built.

Whakamanamana Ltd is the development company behind the project. After two devastating floods in 2023 and 2024, Director of Operations Benji King wanted to come home and build on his involvement in the Wairoa community.

“It’s clear that Wairoa has a dire need for more homes. I was happy to get stuck in to make sure the 30 homes that were proposed some time ago, get built.” Once completed, Kāinga Ora will purchase the homes for use as social housing.

“It is rewarding to see siteworks progressing well. They should be completed in the next three months. Framing for the first homes has been erected and it is full steam ahead to get more homes started.”

“We have contracted PCS Projects to build and manage the project. Fred van der Sande has been involved in this development for the last couple of years and he is the project manager.

“A big focus for Fred and the PCS team has been to ensure local labour is used on the project. They have worked with the Wairoa Young Achievers Trust (WYAT) to recruit local rangatahi and ensure they have the opportunity to work towards a qualification. This has resulted in more Wairoa people taking on apprenticeships. It also means that 85% of the people working on the development are locals.

Naomi Whitewood, Kāinga Ora Regional Director East North Island says Kāinga Ora is focused on delivering social housing in areas where it is most needed. “Wairoa is definitely one of those areas and we are happy to be a partner to this development. Seeing progress made on the site means that mokopuna and whānau will be moving into warm, dry, safe homes by the end of the year.”

Wairoa District Council Deputy Mayor Denise Eaglesome. “The good that comes from this project is endless. A housing development of this size bounces our economy by giving local people work. We know that Wairoa needs more housing, there are too many people in this region that don’t have a home. Having a nice place to live is so important for whanau wellbeing.”

The first homes on Tihitihi Pa are expected to be completed late this year with more following in 2026. They will be low maintenance and fully insulated with carpets, curtains, double glazing and heat pumps.

Some of the new state homes being built in Wairoa

27 August 2025

A major housing development in Wairoa is not only delivering much-needed homes but also creating valuable employment and training opportunities for local people.

The Tihitihi Pā development on Black Street will see 30 new state homes built in a town still recovering from the devastating floods of 2022 and 2023. These are the first new state homes constructed in Wairoa in many years.

Seven homes are now complete, with another 10 expected to be finished by the end of the year. The final 13 homes are scheduled for completion in early 2026. The homes, ranging from single and double-storey designs, including duplexes and standalone houses, are being developed by Whakamanamana Ltd and will be purchased by Kāinga Ora for social housing as they are completed.

Some of the first 7 homes completed.

Given the recent flooding events, the whole site was elevated to reduce future flood risk before any building started.

Graeme Broderick, Kāinga Ora Regional Director for the East North Island, says the project is a milestone for the community.

“The shortage of warm, dry homes in Wairoa is well documented, and the situation became critical following the two major floods in 2023. The completion of the first stage means families currently living in transitional or unsuitable housing will soon move into safe, long-term homes—a very positive development for our community.”

But the benefits go beyond housing. The project is also helping to grow local skills and careers.

PCS Projects is the build contractor, with Fred Van der Sande managing the site. Ten local men have been working on the development since the beginning, including four who are progressing through building apprenticeships.

“For the guys doing their apprenticeship they can’t complete it if are just doing small jobs. It doesn’t provide enough scope. To complete their apprenticeship, they need to a set number of hours spent on all the aspects of building a house. We are providing that opportunity times 30.“

Several homes under construction in Tihitihi Pā

One local builder, Waiora, says “I was traveling out of town each week to complete my apprenticeship. Once I started working for PCS Projects, I finished it in eight months. I’m now fully qualified and helping my workmates do the same. Here, we are part of the full picture; involved in building the homes from start to finish.”

The project has also involved more than a dozen locals in siteworks over the past two years, and a local flooring and painting company—also employing an apprentice—is contributing to the build.

Tihitihi Pā is not just building homes—it’s building futures.

Housing

Pānui

14 July 2025

 | Written by TTOTW

We’re delighted to share that four locals officially moved into their new homes at the Te Rauā residential development in May with a further seven over June. 

Each home includes open-plan kitchen and dining areas, air conditioning, heating, and wet-area showers, all built to meet healthy homes standards.

“This is more than just a housing project—it’s about restoring pride, reconnecting whānau with their whenua, and making sure our people are cared for in their own community,” said Kumeroa Tipoki-Smith, Housing Support Coordinator for Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa.

When complete, Te Rauā will include 43 homes, ranging from one-bedroom kaumātua units to larger four-bedroom family houses. With Wairoa still feeling the impact of the Glengarry closure and high housing demand—over 300 homes are still needed—this development is already making a real difference.

“Many of the whānau applying are coming from overcrowded situations, temporary housing, or returning to Wairoa after being displaced by the floods,” shared Lewis Ratapu, Chief Executive Officer of Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa Trust. “Te Rauā represents stability and a step toward long-term wellbeing.”

Construction is progressing well. Platinum Homes has finished 10 of their three- and four-bedroom homes. PCS Projects has completed nine two-bedroom homes, and Iconic Construction has wrapped up six one-bedroom and two two-bedroom homes—all fully landscaped and ready for move-in.

These 3 major contractors have sub-contracted out a lot of their work to local businesses such as electricians, painters, and landscapers, helping to provide opportunities to our skilled workforce. PCS also employs 5 local builders and 1 apprentice highlighting the projects support for local jobs.

Drone aerial shot of Te Rauā

The final stage of construction will see 16 more homes built. PGC Constructors is set to deliver eight four-bedroom homes, PCS is building four three-bedroom homes, and Platinum Homes will complete the remaining four three-bedroom homes.

At the heart of the nearly three-hectare site is a project still taking shape—the Tokotoko o te Rangi kaumātua precinct. This 12-room complex will offer shared living with private ensuites, a communal kitchen, and a live-in housekeeper. It’s all about supporting kaumātua in a way that honours tikanga Māori and the values of Wairoa.

Affordable rentals are a key part of the initiative. Eligible whānau can apply for the Te Rauā Affordable Rental Grant, allowing them to pay just 80% of market rent—an essential step for those struggling with the current housing crisis.

This project has been a real team effort, led by Tātau Tātau Housing Limited Partnership and backed by a solid group of partners. Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga is looking after tenancy management, while Iconiq Construction, PCS Projects, and Platinum Homes have been handling the building.

QRS, SCL, and Toa Civil have taken care of the civil works. Ministry of Housing and Urban Development have been huge with their support of this project and their on-going collaboration with Tātau Tātau is very positive for the Wairoa Region.

Tuesday November 14^th 2023

Housing Boost For Wairoa

AN AUCKLANDER believes the Te Rauā housing project will bring new energy to the Wairoa township.

Fred van der Sande is the director for PCS Projects overseeing the housing project led by Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa.

Mr van der Sande is based in Auckland and has been speaking with Tātau Tātau since last year.

“I’ve started to travel down and stay for four days a week this year as the project gathers momentum.”

He says this project will be a big boost for Wairoa.

“People look and walk into the two new properties on Apatu Street and go wow these new homes are great but that is the standard of new properties.  To have a whole section, 56 units of new properties is going to bring some excitement for the community.”

With one previous iwi project in Auckland, Mr van der Sande says Te Rauā has slightly more cultural aspects to consider.

“There are regular discussions with Tātau Tātau on how they envision the project with a real identity to give whānau and future generations the best homes possible.”

Deputy mayor Denise Eaglesome-Karekare is the local housing director for Tātau Tātau and since Fred’s appointment, the project has been growing in strength.

“Before his appointment as project manager, there was not as much work being done as what we were wanting.  You need a project manager on the ground and Fred has been working with Enabled Wairoa so has knowledge of the Wairoa area.”

With his commitment to be based in Wairoa, Mrs Eaglesome-Karekare is pleased to have Mr van der Sande’s involvement.

“We’re not bothered about the background or who they are – at the end of the day, what is important is delivering warm, safe, healthy homes that meet the needs of our whānau.”

She said that this project is very significant for the town.

“It’s known that we have a housing shortage, but this will boost Wairoa.  Even during the development stages, Fred has brought in locals to work on the project.”

“Any gaps in skills, we’ve asked Fred that he brings in the best guys possible but that they let our rangatahi shadow those workers.”

The properties will be rented for now with the iwi trust working with kahui to decide what the fairest way is for who will be in the properties.

“At the Tātau Tātau AGM last year we allowed applicants to apply for a space in the project with 20 whānau putting their names down.  They will be top priority.”

In their annual report for 2023, Tātau Tātau says the project is built around whanaungatanga.

“This ensures that kaumātua would remain in the centre of their community, surrounded by whānau instead of moving out to rest homes.”

Built on three hectares of land, there will be 30 whānau homes, 13 living units and 13 kaumātua whare.

“By spring next year, we look forward to seeing 13 of the one and two bedroom units in place, with whānau moving into their brand-new homes by the end of the year,” said Mrs Eaglesome-Karekare.

QRS project manager Mike Wilson says approximately 40 staff members are working on the project.

“This includes labourers, operators, truck drivers, concrete batchers and delivery drivers and supervisors.”

The crew have excavated 6375m3 of material from the site.

“We’ve imported, placed and compacted 1000m3 of clay fill from off-site; installed 400 metres of new waterpipe; 450 metres of new sewer line and 380 metres of new stormwater pipes.”

PCS Projects Wins Good Youth Employer Award 2026

PCS Projects is proud to announce that we have been named the winner of the 2026 Good Youth Employer Award, presented by Youth Employability Aotearoa (YEA).

The award recognises organisations that create supportive workplaces where young people can develop skills, gain valuable experience, and build successful careers.

This recognition is particularly special as PCS Projects was nominated by apprentice carpenter Rogan Baty, who highlighted the support, mentoring, and opportunities he has received since joining the company.

Director Fred van der Sande accepted the award on behalf of PCS Projects and acknowledged the contribution of the entire team in creating a workplace culture that supports the next generation entering the construction industry.

Through projects across New Zealand, including our work in Wairoa, PCS Projects remains committed to creating meaningful employment opportunities, apprenticeships, and career pathways for young people.

We are honoured to receive this award and thank Youth Employability Aotearoa for recognising the importance of investing in the future workforce.

Read the full Youth Employability Aotearoa announcement here : https://www.yea.org.nz/action/good-youth-employer-award