New social housing units planned for Tremewan Street

Porirua Whānau Centre has received resource consent to build 22 new social housing units on its Tremewan Street site, expanding access to warm, modern homes for local whānau.

The development at 26-40 Tremewan Street will include a mix of one- and two-bedroom units. These will sit alongside eight existing three-bedroom homes, which have recently been renovated and upgraded inside.

For Housing Manager Kathleen Filo, the project responds to a clear and ongoing need.

“It will provide more housing, in particular social housing for whānau who need it, who can’t afford the private market, and they’re all brand new.”

The Whānau Centre has long supported families across Porirua through housing, health, education and social services.

This next step builds on that work, helping more people access stable and affordable homes.

Secure housing plays a critical role in wellbeing, creating space for whānau to plan ahead, care for their tamariki, and move forward with confidence.

The Whānau Centre has seen this impact firsthand. For some, social housing becomes a stepping stone into employment, study or long-term housing.

“It’s that sort of hand up to help them feel steady and secure,” Kathleen says. “They’re able to progress at a pace that they can sustain.”

The Tremewan St site already carries a long history, with the existing homes (built in the 1960s), recently renovated from the inside out.

Kitchens and bathrooms were replaced. New fixtures, fittings, curtains and blinds were installed, lifting the homes to a modern standard.

“They were very extensive. Pretty much the inside was fully renovated, like a shell, and then built back up from there.”

As planning moves forward, the Whānau Centre intends to continue working with local businesses wherever possible.

Previous renovations involved local builders, sparkies, plumbers and suppliers, including many Māori-owned businesses.

That approach reflects the Whānau Centre’s kaupapa and its commitment to Porirua.

“The Māori side of things is because we’re a kaupapa Māori organisation, so we want to support Māori businesses,” Kathleen says. “And local is because it’s important for our circular economy.”

Keeping work local helps strengthen the community, supporting businesses, creating jobs and ensuring investment continues to circulate within Porirua.

With consent now in place, the Tremewan St project marks a meaningful step toward creating more opportunities for whānau to access safe, secure housing in their own community.