Whangārei District Council is proud to announce a formal partnership with Habitat for Humanity to deliver high-quality, affordable housing for older adults at 469 State Highway 14, Maunu. This initiative will help address the urgent need for accessible housing for seniors in the district.

The $11 million development will include 26 one-bedroom units, each with dedicated parking and shared communal spaces designed to foster social connections.

Eight of these units will be purchased by Council for adults aged 65 and over and with limited financial means. These homes will be leased back to Habitat for Humanity to manage, with rents capped at 25% of residents’ income.

Community Development Manager Jacki Cooper says Council is proud to be working with Habitat for Humanity, who have a strong track record of delivering high-quality affordable housing in our District.

“These types of partnerships offer a promising avenue to expand housing options for older adults. We’re especially pleased that the design will adhere to Lifemark 4 and 5 standards, ensuring homes are safe, secure, and future-proofed for ageing in place.”

Lifemark 4 and 5 standards ensure homes are age-friendly and fully accessible, with 5-star homes meeting the needs of individuals with significant mobility requirements. The design prioritises safety, health, and social wellbeing, with welcoming shared spaces for family and community interaction.

Outgoing Chair of Council’s Positive Ageing Advisory Group (PAAG), Lesley Armstrong, also shared her support for the development.

“For over seven years, PAAG has strongly championed the need for affordable, accessible homes for older people in our community. The addition of these new units, built to a Lifemark 4 standard, is a legacy of that persistence. We hope it will be the beginning of many more housing initiatives that prioritise dignity, accessibility, and wellbeing for older residents.”

Conrad LaPointe, Chief Executive Officer of Habitat for Humanity Northern Region, added:

“This partnership will not only begin to address the clear need for more senior housing in the region but also strives to set a new design and liveability benchmark. The focus of the entire 26-unit development will be on residents aged 55 and over, ensuring the homes are tailored to support independent living in a community-oriented setting.”

Habitat for Humanity, a registered Community Housing Provider and charity in New Zealand, has been supporting Kiwis access to safe, healthy, and affordable housing for over 30 years. This project continues that mission, helping older generations thrive in safe and affordable environments.

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