It wasn’t just homes on show, but the warm welcome of an entire community when people gathered to view newly-finished Kāinga Ora homes in Felix Street.

With 27 homes completed and another 24 apartments on their way – along with a shared community room – the Kāinga Ora and Oranga Development team showcased a four-bedroom unit and modified six-bedroom home on 27 July.

More than 60 people arrived to look through the homes but found more than a typical viewing as the Fletcher Living team provided a free sausage sizzle and coffee. And, as a special treat for tamariki, Te Papapa School hosted a stall for face painting.

“It was a pleasure to attend the opening day. We made great connections and were able to get the answers for a lot of questions we had,” says Anita Faitala, both an Oranga local and the Executive Officer for Te Papapa School.

With the new homes in the school zone, Anita says she and the team “wanted to introduce ourselves and let the community know what Te Papapa School offers”.

Having taken part in meetings about the development from its early stages, Anita also wanted to acknowledge Kāinga Ora “taking on board our suggestions”.

“Felix Street certainly reflects this,” she says. “The green space and community room will be wonderful for the children ... The road is spacious, and the homes look to be warm and inviting for families.”

Along with the school community, Kāinga Ora build partner Signature Homes was there alongside local MP Greg Fleming and members from the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board.

Rosita Fa’avesi, Kāinga Ora Community Development and Engagement Coordinator, says members from housing support teams were also there to engage with the community, answer questions and “provide valuable insights into our goals for intergenerational living and keeping whānau together”.

“The positive feedback we received highlighted the thoughtful design of the new homes and the warmth and friendliness of our staff and external partners,” Rosita says.

Celia Brandon, Kāinga Ora Stakeholder Relationship Manager, added that guests were “particularly impressed” with the layout of the homes, designed to accommodate larger families and intergenerational living.

“The atmosphere was filled with excitement and pride as attendees explored these new homes,” she says.