Palmer Street Public Housing development – Te Awamutu

More affordable, warm, dry, and safe public housing is coming to Te Awamutu.

Work is now underway on Habitat Central Region’s Palmer Street development. Over the next 10 years, seven new two-storey blocks with a mixture of one- and two-bedroom units are planned to be constructed in stages.

This development will create new homes for at least 46 tenants aged 60 and over, providing more affordable and healthy housing for older Te Awamutu residents.

Habitat Central Region Chief Executive Nic Greene says, “access to healthy, safe, and affordable housing is increasingly becoming an issue for older generations.

“The Palmer Street development is about more than just building new homes; it’s also about fostering a sense of community where our Palmer Street tenants, Freeman Court residents, and neighbours can feel at home.”

The Palmer Street development is supported by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development. Habitat values its relationships with Waipa District Council, ANZ, Edwards White and White Wood Homes who are helping to make this project a reality.

Phase One

Development on Phase One began on 26 May 2025. One two-storey block, containing six units, is under construction, to be completed mid-2026.

Future phases

Development of future blocks will be completed in stages. The original Palmer Street units will be demolished over time to create space for new construction.

Habitat is committed to ensuring Palmer Street tenants continue to have a place to call home. By staging development phases, Habitat ensures no tenants are displaced by the development.

Stay tuned for updates on approximate dates for Phase Two.