Grant's Kōrero: Te Punga – Anchoring Our Future

I’m pleased to share an update on one of Whai Rawa’s most significant projects – Te Punga, our new development at Ōwairaka (Mt Albert).

The journey towards Te Punga began well before my time as CEO, when the first discussions to acquire the land began. Since then, many hands and hearts have contributed to moving this kaupapa forward. In 2021, we marked an important step with a karakia on site before clearing works began, setting the tone for the mahi ahead. Fast forward to today – a full Development Agreement for the site has between executed with the Crown, and the infrastructure and civil works, supported through shovel-ready government funding, are now largely complete. We are preparing to appoint a main contractor, with construction of the first stage of homes due to begin in October.

Te Punga is an ambitious project that will unfold over the next decade, spanning nine stages and delivering around 370 homes in total. Stage one alone will bring 50 homes to market, and we are also exploring opportunities to superlot and sell sections to enable other developers to build alongside us. This approach ensures we can maintain momentum while also maximising the value of the land.

In line with our commercial strategy, Te Punga is designed to generate income from our assets and strengthen our financial position. Yet this development is about more than financial return – it is also about creating pathways for whānau. Earlier this month, we held a session with whānau construction businesses to share details of the upcoming work and help them prepare for the tender processes that our head contractor will run. Our commitment is clear: these opportunities must be available to whānau pakihi.

Te Punga sits within the wider Te Kukūnga Waka precinct, where Marutūahu and Waiohua are also developing land. Together, these projects will shape a vibrant new community at Ōwairaka Mt Albert.

The name Te Punga was gifted by iwi cultural expert Kingi Makoare, evoking the anchor of our voyaging traditions. It speaks to stability, connection, and the firm foundations we are laying for generations ahead. To further weave our identity into this place, whānau artist Graham Tipene is leading mahi toi within one of the large public spaces, embedding stories, culture, and artistry into the fabric of the community.

For Whai Rawa, Te Punga will stand as one of our defining projects for the next decade and beyond. It sits within our rohe, and we are determined to deliver it with excellence – not only a commercial success, but building homes that stand proud, creating opportunities for whānau pakihi to thrive, and ensuring mahi toi and ingoa Māori are woven throughout.

We will continue to keep you updated as this important kaupapa progresses.