Mana whenua housing development transforming Manukau

A new housing development on Māori land is set to transform the Manukau community and advance first home buyers.

The Wirihana development, led by the Avant group, will house around 1500 people in the Auckland suburb of Wiri.

It's being built on Kerrs Road in partnership with iwi Te Ākitai Waiohua.

The project will be a significant part of the 20-25 year plan by Eke Panuku Development Auckland, and the Government to revitalise Manukau city.

This aims to grow the residential community, provide affordable homes, employment and transport opportunities to cater to the booming area.

Avant Group says careful consideration of the surrounding environment for all is key.

“We are prioritising development objectives to balance sustainability with community amenity. This means profit is not our first objective," said Mat Peters, development manager.

"The spaces between the built form that give the community heart and essence are as important as the houses themselves.

"Wirihana is proof that mana whenua lead developments produce outstanding outcomes for the existing community and the newly created neighbourhood,” he says.

KiwiBuild homes will be included in this project with Peters saying that these properties will be at least $150,000 less than the market value.

Eke Panuku, the council-controlled organisation for urban regeneration, says the improvement of local outdoor spaces will be a great advantage for Wirihana residents.

“Manukau is bursting with opportunity,” says Richard Davidson, priority location director.

“It has a brand new underground train station and bus station, there’s a wide range of businesses, some government offices, a Westfield mall, and it has a number of universities too. Future proofing of this centre is a high priority for us.”

Davidson says that Eke Panuku is investing millions of dollars into enhancing outdoor areas like the Puhinui Stream and Hayman Park, as well as ensuring that Manukau meets the needs of its residents and workers.

“Being so close to Manukau’s centre, the Wirihana Development will be well placed to take advantage of this significant investment. We’re looking at making it safer and more enjoyable to walk around the centre too.

"More people living closer to the heart of Manukau will add vibrancy, more people looking out for each other, and hopefully seeing all the improvements that are underway locally, new residents might be encouraged to enjoy their local area which has so much to offer.”

Graphic showing what the Wirihana Development will look like. (Supplied).

Homes haven’t been advertised yet, however civil construction for the parks, roads and services of Wirihana have begun, with house builds starting this October.

Te Waha Nui has contacted Te Ākitai Waiohua for comment but did not receive a response before the deadline.