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Otangarei Papakāinga Limited (“OPL”) has begun construction on a fit for purpose transitional housing papakāinga in the suburb of Otangarei. The papakāinga site is nestled by the sportsground known locally as Fishbone Park. The site was blessed by local kaumātua on Monday and is now being readied for construction.

Five brand new, purpose built, 2-bedroom homes will temporarily house families from MSD’s social housing register, before they move on to more sustainable accommodation.

The papakāinga development is seen as an important part of Kāinga Ora by OPL’s parent, health and social services provider, Te Hau Āwhiowhio o Otangarei, as it believes that wellness starts in the home.

Te Hau Awhiowhio Operations Manager, Janine Kaipo, is excited about how transitional housing can offer hope to families, ‘It will be a safe resting place for whānau. Families will have the space to settle and get their bearings; to make a plan for the future and focus on what’s next for them.’

The papakāinga development was foreshadowed last year by Minister Mahuta as part of the Government’s investment in Northland housing, ending homelessness and whānau Māori living in safe secure healthy homes.