Eight modern homes have reshaped a Westown corner. Papapounamu, on the Barrett and Morley streets junction, is an Iwi-owned cluster of two and three bedroom townhouses for Te Ātiawa Iwi members.
The land was returned through a Treaty settlement. Instead of selling, the Iwi built papakāinga-style rentals, so families can put down roots without being priced out of the private market. It’s a practical fix with long-term thinking.
Te Ātiawa chair Liana Poutu says high rents and tight supply make secure housing tough for many uri. This development gives whānau stability while keeping ownership in Iwi hands.
For resident Kacey O’Carroll, the change is immediate. Her old place was cold and costly to heat. Her new place has insulation, solar panels and whiteware included, making it a home that’s much easier on the power bill.
Design cues come from the surrounding environment. Natural cladding nods to the bush along Mangaotuku Stream, with lines that gesture to Taranaki Maunga.
Inside, the homes are simple and efficient: two storeys, open-plan living, private courtyards and shared green spaces. Early residents say power costs have dropped sharply compared with older housing, which makes a real difference week to week.
Rents are set with household circumstances in mind, not just the going rate. With central New Plymouth and Westown averages sitting in the high five hundreds to six hundreds a week, that approach gives families breathing room and a chance to get ahead.
The build also kept value close to home. Contractors were asked to use Te Ātiawa-owned firms and Māori trades where possible, so more of every dollar stayed in the local economy.
There’s also a path forward beyond renting. Through Ka Uruora, tenants get practical financial education and support to save, pay down debt and eventually aim for ownership.
Te Ātiawa has signalled a larger project across the road and is looking at other sites.
