New affordable housing development for seniors in Whangārei

We are proud to announce a formal partnership with Whangārei District Council to deliver high-quality, affordable housing for older adults at 469 State Highway 14, Maunu. This initiative will help address the urgent need for accessible housing for seniors in the District.

The $11 million development will include 26 one-bedroom units, each with dedicated parking and shared communal spaces designed to foster social connections.

Whangārei District Council will purchase eight of these units for older adults aged 65 and over, and with limited financial means. These homes will be leased back to Habitat for Humanity to manage, with rents capped at 25% of residents' income.

Community Development Manager Jacki Cooper says Council is proud to be working with Habitat for Humanity, who have a strong track record of delivering high-quality affordable housing in our District.

"These types of partnerships offer a promising avenue to expand housing options for older adults. We're especially pleased that the design will adhere to Lifemark 4 and 5 standards, ensuring homes are safe, secure and future-proofed for ageing in place."

Lifemark 4 and 5 standards ensure homes are age-friendly and fully accessible, with 5-star homes meeting the needs of individuals with significant mobility requirements. The design prioritises safety, health and social wellbeing, with welcoming shared spaces for family and community interaction.

The outgoing Chair of our Positive Ageing Advisory Group (PAAG), Lesley Armstrong, also shared her support for the development.

"For over seven years, PAAG has strongly championed the need for affordable, accessible homes for older people in our community. The addition of these new units, built to a Lifemark 4 standard, is a legacy of that persistence. We hope it will be the beginning of many more housing initiatives that prioritise dignity, accessibility and wellbeing for older residents."

Conrad LaPointe, Chief Executive Officer of Habitat for Humanity Northern Region, added: "This partnership will not only begin to address the clear need for more senior housing in the region but also strives to set a new design and liveability benchmark. The focus of the entire 26-unit development will be on residents aged 55 and over, ensuring the homes are tailored to support independent living in a community-oriented setting."

Habitat for Humanity, a registered Community Housing Provider and charity in New Zealand, has been supporting Kiwis' access to safe, healthy and affordable housing for over 30 years. This project continues that mission, helping older generations thrive in safe and affordable environments.