Our team was busy working through with each site the masterplan, engagement, geotechnical checks, and infrastructure planning for housing. These went through several iterations based on feedback and constraints. This brought us to the point where:

1. Through engagement Rangitāne o Wairarapa asked that we not consider permanent housing on the Matua Pā site and instead look to develop the site as a health/wellness and cultural site.
2. The Whare team negotiated successfully with (MHUD) and SOHO to replace Matua Pā with the Renall Street development in Masterton, which had gained resource consent.
3. Subdivision consents were lodged with the Tararua District Council to allow for up to 80 homes on the Hillcrest Dannevirke and Hillcrest Pahiatua sites.
4. A Wastewater Consent has been lodged with Horizons Regional Council to allow for the development of a Papakainga on the Matamau site. We are also considering options for the growing of income-producing kai at Matamau with the support of Te Puni Kōkiri.
5. Discussion has begun with Rangitāne o Wairarapa and other potential tenancies for the Matua Pā site.

Image: Design concept of Renall Street

Concept layout of Hillcrest School Site Dannevirke

Concept layout of Hillcrest School Site Pahiatua

Concept layout of Matamau School Site

However, almost all Government funding pathways were paused at the end of June 2024 and indications of when new programmes to support housing development will come into play are being keenly watched. Our efforts are therefore focused on preparing our sites to be ready for development as soon as funding becomes available.

The very exciting news was in September 2024 Renall Street which we managed to get into the line before the government funding shut down and was approved for further funding support by MHUD to build 10 affordable rental apartments. This is the only approval given to the region and reflects the speedy mahi from RTMRI to switch Matua Pā for this development. The Renall Street build process is underway now for conclusion in early 2026.

Image: Design concept of Renall Street

Our longer-term view is to secure further property as the market demand and supply change and government funding becomes clearer. We are investigating opportunities as they present themselves for 2024/25 and beyond.

Image: Tū Mai Rā Energy,  Awapuni Resource Recovery Park, Palmerston North

Our small existing rental portfolio is managed through the Property Brokers property management division with branches in Palmerston North, Masterton, Pahiatua, and Dannevirke. Given the age and state of the properties, maintenance, and refurbishment are ongoing and expensive.

Our properties include:
• The headmaster house, Matamau School
• The headmaster’s house Hillcrest School Pahiatua
• A 3-bedroom home in Pahiatua
• A 2-bedroom residence in Woodville used by a Social Services Provider
• A leased block of land 37 hectares south of Woodville
• A leased block of land 5 hectares Wingate Rd Masterton
• A 5-acre block of land, Eketāhuna and
• A 4-bedroom villa, Masterton used by 4 small businesses.

Image: Design concept of Renall Street

As already reported through the Trust we are still in the process of renegotiating the Ngāumu Forestry Lease Agreement with JNL as rightful owners.