Ngāti Awa Social & Health Services Trust to power 15 new homes with support from Trust Horizon

A housing project led by Ngāti Awa Social & Health Services Trust (NASH) will soon add 15 brand-new units to Whakatāne’s growing supply of affordable homes, with the support of a $228,657 grant from Trust Horizon.

NASH is one of the Eastern Bay of Plenty’s largest integrated providers, with a mission to achieve prosperity and wellbeing for their whānau and communities. Increasing the number of warm, dry, and sustainable homes in the rohe is a core part of this mission.

“Data shows there’s significant need in Whakatāne, with high unemployment rates, low income levels, and whānau living in overcrowded housing,” says Daniel Ratahi, Housing and Infrastructure Project lead for NASH. “By providing quality and affordable new housing, we hope to meet a need which has been present for a long time.”

The Trust Horizon grant will go towards power supply connections for 8 one-bedroom kaumatua units, 5 two bedroom units, and two 3 bedroom units at 15 Golf Links Road – bringing electricity to as many as 60 whānau members.

As an affordable rental project, electricity bills are a key consideration. In an effort to increase ongoing affordability and resilience, NASH are also considering installing a solar power solution. 

“The occupants of these homes will be under a level of financial pressure, so utilising excess power will ease some of that burden,” says Ratahi. “One of our objectives is to support some occupants’ transition into home-ownership, and solar subsidisation will help achieve that aim.”

Trust Horizon recognises the importance of projects such as this in the Eastern Bay. “There’s a need for more affordable and energy efficient housing options across the region, and this project shows Ngāti Awa Social & Health Services Trust’s ability to deliver,” says Yvonne Boyes, Trust Horizon Trustee. “Trust Horizon is pleased to be able to support this valuable project, and the ongoing affordability of the homes it’s building.”

NASH is currently working on three housing projects, delivering a total of 66 units. Of the three, the 15-unit project at 15 Golf Links Road is the furthest advanced. Civil works are already underway, and construction is expected to begin in September this year. 

“We’re extremely grateful for this grant. It’s put NASH in a position where we can reduce the financial burden on the occupants of these houses,” says Ratahi. “For that, we extend our sincere thanks to Trust Horizon.”

Find out more about Trust Horizon’s community funding here.