Wairatahi, a large scale residential development in Hastings owned by Heretaunga Tamatea Pou Tahua – the commercial arm of Tamatea Pōkai Whenua, (formerly Heretaunga Tamatea Settlement Trust) – has secured approval to go ahead via the Government’s fast track consent process.
Tamatea Pōkai Whenua (TPW) chair Pōhatu Paku said the Covid-19 Recovery Fast-Track Consent decision was a significant outcome for the Trust; a major boost for the region’s economy and affordable housing supply.
“This is a major milestone for our hapū settlement entity and we are ecstatic that consent has been approved by the government’s fast track process which will create many jobs during construction and increase housing supply by up to 450 warm homes.
“This is one of the largest Māori led residential development on the East Coast and a lot of mahi has been put into the design which will realise the full potential of our whenua,” Mr Paku said.
Heretaunga Tamatea Pou Tahua, the commercial subsidiary of TPW, chairperson Renata Hakiwai said site works for stage 1 could commence towards the end of this year, following discussions with potential development partners.
Wairatahi, is a 28ha property in Stock Road and will offer a range of housing options, including townhouses, detached dwellings, multi-generational homes, and standalone houses.
Tamatea Pōkai Whenua Chief Executive Dr Darryn Russell explains the community impact the Trust and its commercial arm are advancing for greater Hastings.
“As well as a diverse mix of housing options, we are ultimately creating a new community and extensive planning has gone into how we protect and enhance the environment such as the restoration and protection of the Irongate Stream.
“The development is not just for our members and their whānau but for all people and the fast-track decision is timely based on what our region is facing since the cyclone destroyed many homes across our rohe,” Dr Russell said.
The development is likely to have a small neighbourhood centre, community gardens, playground, and central park connected to open space separating the development from the State Highway and a walkway network, including along the Irongate Stream, will also be provided, enhancing public amenity and connectivity.
Dr Russell said the consent application’s success was due to the strong leadership of the Trust’s commercial arm, and a highly capable project team that had worked tirelessly, along with support from Hastings District Council and Hawke’s Bay Regional Council.
“The Heretaunga Tamatea Pou Tahua Board are driving forward the vision to ensure we are developing sustainable communities and much needed homes in Heretaunga Hastings.
“Hastings District Council and the regional council have been supportive and we look forward to the next steps of our partnership.”
The development is part of TPW’s investment related to a Treaty of Waitangi settlement.
In 2018, a settlement package worth $105 million was made with Heretaunga Tamatea (which represents 43 hapū and 23 marae around the Hastings and Central Hawke’s Bay area) as part of its Treaty of Waitangi claim.
The announcement comes amid a housing crisis in Hawke’s Bay compounded by Cyclone Gabrielle, which sadly destroyed or damaged many homes in the region.