Sixteen new Kāinga Ora homes in central Nelson are now ready, with local families starting to move in.
The six two-bedroom and 10 three-bedroom homes at 107 Nile St were blessed by Matua Harvey Ruru and Ngāti Tama last Wednesday, marking the completion of the project and the start of move-ins for local whānau.
Nelson Central School principal Pip Wells welcomes the development, saying it provides more than just a roof over children’s heads and is an investment in their future.
The school’s Te Pouahi ākonga performed waiata at the blessing.
“We know that a child’s learning doesn't start at the classroom door – it starts at home and our presence at the blessing underpins our support for this new social housing project in our neighbourhood,” Pip says.
“When tamariki transition into warm, stable, purpose-built homes, the benefits to their education are profound. We see healthier kids, fewer sickness-related absences, and an end to the disruptive cycle of constantly changing schools.
“This project isn't just about housing; it’s about investing in the well-being of our local children and giving them the secure foundation they need to thrive at school. Our children and school community look forward to welcoming these new whānau to our kura.”
Kāinga Ora acting regional director Nelson, Marlborough and West Coast, Gabrielle Thorpe, says the homes are an important step for both the city and the families now moving in.
“These families have been waiting for a home on the social housing register, so this is a special moment. These homes offer stability, close to schools, NMIT, shops and essential services.”
The site holds cultural significance for iwi, reflected in the design through elements such as tāniko patterns and a tuna motif. Ngāti Tama worked with Kāinga Ora during the design phase to bring these features to life.
Ngāti Tama environmental manager Dayveen Stephen says the development acknowledges long-standing connections to the area.
“Ngāti Tama maintains our traditional associations with taonga species connected to freshwater. This area was once abundant with tuna, and these important cultural connections are reflected in some of the design elements.”
Kāinga Ora bought the site in 2022 and demolished the former Nelson Masonic Hall building. Plans were refined over time to deliver the homes as cost effectively as possible, with construction beginning in September last year.
The development is part of Kāinga Ora’s renewals programme, which will see about 2000 ageing homes replaced or extensively renovated nationwide each year over the next few years.
