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Early planning.

Early planning work is underway on a new development project in Ōwairaka. The development area is bounded by Harlston Road, Hendon Avenue and Richardson Road (Please see map below).

The Ōwairaka development will replace approximately 180 Housing New Zealand units with a total of approximately 700 new warm, dry, healthy homes. Of this number, 220 will be new state homes and the balance will be a mixture of affordable and market homes. By using the land more efficiently than we did back in the 1950s and 60s when the original homes were built, we will be able to increase the numbers of community housing residences available and also build much-needed new homes for the Auckland housing market. Homes in more affordable price ranges will also be a priority within the Ōwairaka Development.

The Plan for Ōwairaka

We are at the very earliest stage of planning a development of the neighbourhood shown in the map below.

We plan to replace existing community housing residences with new homes for Housing New Zealand and the Auckland market, and improve neighbourhood amenity for the community.

We will work closely with Housing New Zealand tenants, Mana Whenua, local residents and agencies, involving people as plans take shape and sharing information as we go. Local knowledge can help us shape the best outcomes for this community. We'll be listening and taking care to ensure that planning and design meets the needs of the community.

170512 HLC Owairaka Map Tenants Comms Stage A Ext2

What does this mean for you?

Investment in Ōwairaka means new, higher quality homes and better facilities for residents, which has been shown to improve people's day-to-day lives. New families coming into the area lend further strength to the schools and communities and bring more custom to the shops and small businesses.

When Housing New Zealand tenants are impacted by development work they are fully supported through the process by the HNZ Tenancy Liaison Team from the very early stages of planning. If you're a client of Housing New Zealand who is affected by the development you will have been contacted by the Tenancy Liaison Team already. If Housing New Zealand has not spoken to you personally, you are not impacted by the current development.

When development work requires tenants to relocate, Housing New Zealand provides plenty of notice and works closely with each household to support them into an alternative home, taking into account community links and schooling. During the construction, HLC – the company overseeing the development – and its contractors will work with community development agencies to keep Ōwairaka residents informed.

Please keep an eye on this website as we'll be updating it as the project progresses.

Older Housing New Zealand homes in Ōwairaka will be replaced with warm, dry, modern homes.

What is the area like?

The Ōwairaka neighbourhood is home to Ōwairaka District School (years 1-6) and Ōwairaka Kindergarten. Education Review Office reports for both the school and kindergarten are excellent.

Ōwairaka offers plenty of room to get outdoors and enjoy nature. Alan Wood Reserve, Murray Halberg Park, Underwood Park and Hendon Park are located in and around the area. Mt Albert and the Ōwairaka Domain are within walking distance as are the Valonia and Ōwairaka skate parks.

Ōwairaka has a proud sporting history. The Marist Rugby League Club will celebrate its centenary in 2019. The nearby Ōwairaka Sea Scouts have been based in Murray Halberg Park for nearly 60 years. Ōwairaka Athletics club, which was founded in 1943, led the world in middle and long distance running under the guidance of the legendary coach Arthur Lydiard. The club has produced many champions, most notably, Murray Halberg and Peter Snell.

Ōwairaka skate park

Children’s playground

Murray Halberg Park

Mt Albert, Ōwairaka Domain

Why has the area been chosen?

It is important that we replace old Housing New Zealand houses with new warm, dry, healthy homes.
Ōwairaka has been chosen for investment because the community has excellent access to local services, schools and amenity. There are a number of parks, reserves and sports grounds in the area. Ōwairaka is only eight kilometres from the central city and has easy access to the CBD via public transport, including a frequent bus service along New North Road. The Waterview connection (SH20) also passes by the area, allowing residents quick access to Auckland Airport and other main transport routes.

More Homes. Great Neighbourhoods.

The Ōwairaka development is part of the Auckland Housing Programme, a government initiative to help Auckland develop as a vibrant city by delivering more quality homes more quickly. Read more.

Mt Roskill looking South

Who is running the project?

The project is being run by HLC on behalf of Housing New Zealand. HLC is the team behind the very successful development of Hobsonville Point, the former air force base in Auckland's northwest.

About HLC

HLC is a subsidiary of Housing New Zealand, governed by its own board of directors. The company operates as an independent, commercial developer and was established to be the lead developer at Hobsonville Point, and to lead innovation in the development sector, particularly in the residential homes market.

HLC has developed the Axis Series programme to provide Aucklanders with more affordable access to their first home. (Axis Series homes are priced from $450,000 to $650,000). It has also worked with building companies to bring a greater variety of types of homes to the market, and it has focused on sustainable features in its new homes that considerably reduce water and energy costs.

Hobsonville Point is the fastest growing residential development project in New Zealand. Around 4,500 new homes will be built by the time the development is completed. Twenty per cent of the development will be Axis Series homes. Community amenities include the Hobsonville Point Park and playground, cycle ways, walking tracks, a Farmers Market, two new schools – primary and secondary – and a commuter ferry service to downtown Auckland. The community’s visionary planning and design has been recognised with numerous awards.

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Homes on Buckley Avenue at Hobsonville Point.

The Buckley neighbourhood.

About Housing New Zealand

Housing New Zealand Corporation is a Crown agent that provides housing services for people in need. More than 185,000 people live in Housing New Zealand owned or managed houses or flats. Housing New Zealand works closely with others to ensure their tenants have access to good support services.