Work will soon start on the Heron Crescent elder housing redevelopment in Katikati, after a site blessing took place this week.

A small ceremony, led by Sam Tangiia, of Ngai Tamawhariua, was held ahead of construction, which is expected to start within the next few weeks.

Attended by iwi representatives, Western Bay of Plenty District Council staff, Councillors Allan Sole and Rodney Joyce, iLine Construction staff and previous tenant Wendy Morgan, the blessing marks a new era in elder housing for the town.

“Affordable housing for older people is a key area of concern in our District. At the moment, there is limited affordable rental housing available in Katikati for older people,” says Council Property Team Leader Nigel Sadlier.

“Providing good quality, affordable housing for older people means they can continue to be a part of their local community, which results in greater wellbeing for both them and those around them.”

The 26-unit development, which is being built by Mount Maunganui company iLine Construction, will see 15 additional units and the replacement of the 11 original 40-year-old units.

Foundational site works have already been completed, including retaining walls and new fencing, stormwater mains have been installed and the new public path between Heron Crescent and Diggelmann Park is open.

“The heart of a community is shown in how it values older people and their contribution to a strong community. Every new home we build enables an older person or couple to remain an active part of the community,” says Nigel.

The project is fully funded through the Better Off Fund and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development’s Affordable Housing Fund, which will see Council provide a mix of one and two-bedroom units that also cater for those with mobility issues - at no cost to ratepayers.

It is the second elder housing development Council has built in Katikati, with tenants moving into the seven new units built at Beach Road last year.

The 26 new units are expected to be completed and available by August 2025.

Elder Housing in the Western Bay of Plenty

Once completed, Council will have 85 elder housing units within the District - 39 in Katikati, 34 in Te Puke and 12 at Waihī Beach.

To be eligible, you must be a New Zealand resident, 65 or older and/or qualify for Government superannuation.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate their total assets are worth $40,000 or less for a single person, and $50,000 or less for a couple. They must also be able to demonstrate they are able to live independently.

Those wanting to apply for a unit should complete an Eligibility Criteria Assessment Form for each person who will be staying in a unit. The form can be found at: www.westernbay.govt.nz/community/elder-housing

Photo caption: From left, Jodie Rickard, Kerrie Little, Tangihaere Nathan, Rodney Joyce, Hilary Debenham, Allan Sole, Wendy Morgan, Jared Smith, Pare Samuels-Hudson, Murray Sunckell, Kerewai Wanakore, Jeremy Bethell, Meveana Tangiia, James Blair, Sam Tangiia and Frank Rientjes.