2 October 2025 | Webfit News
Rotorua families will soon have more access to affordable housing thanks to a Government and iwi partnership that will build 80 new rental homes at Manawa Gardens by mid-2027.
The $45 million project is a joint effort between the Government, which is investing $28.47 million, and Ngāti Whakaue Tribal Lands Inc, which is contributing more than $16 million.
Who the homes are for
The homes will be made available to:
- Kaumātua (elders)
- Working families who cannot afford the private rental market
- Others are genuinely in need of long-term housing security
Associate Housing Minister Hon Tama Potaka said rents will be capped at no more than 80% of market rates, and the houses will stay as affordable rentals for the next 25 years.
“Families deserve the certainty of staying in their own community, raising tamariki and mokopuna, and planning for the future,” Mr Potaka said.
Building on past success
This is not the first project of its kind. Ngāti Whakaue Tribal Lands Inc. previously delivered 80 affordable rental homes in 2024. Civil works for the new set of houses will begin in early 2026, with construction expected to finish by mid-2027.
Addressing Rotorua’s housing pressures
Rotorua has faced some of the toughest housing challenges in Aotearoa, with many families forced to live in motels or temporary housing.
“With only two contracted emergency housing motels still in use, we are on track to meet our commitment to close these remaining motels by December,” Mr Potaka said.
He added that working alongside Māori organisations and community groups is key to creating lasting solutions.
Part of a bigger plan
The Manawa Gardens project is part of a wider Government commitment to deliver 400 affordable rental homes with and for Māori communities across the country by 2027.
This partnership shows how Iwi and the Government working together can provide secure, affordable, and community-based housing that makes a real difference for families in need.
