Iwi-Crown partnership cements new homes for Tāhuna-Queenstown

The partnership between Ngāi Tahu Property and the Crown to develop more than 350 homes on the former high school site in Tāhuna-Queenstown, including 100-plus apartments for first-home buyers under the KiwiBuild scheme, was confirmed by Housing Minister Megan Woods this morning.

Speaking alongside Minister Woods at the site this morning, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Kaiwhakahaere Lisa Tumahai says this project to develop more than 350 new houses is a commitment by the iwi to ensure future generations will continue to call Tāhuna home.

“It’s great to have the Government’s support to get underway with this significant project, which will relieve some of the pressure on the local housing market, and enable more of the people who are the backbone of this resort town to secure a quality home.”

“Our partnership with the Crown enabled this project to go ahead, and it is the next step for our investment in a vital part of the Ngāi Tahu takiwā.”

“We already have significant property, tourism and farming interests in the Queenstown Lakes District, making us one of the region’s largest employers, and we are delighted to be on the cusp of contributing more than 350 new homes here.”

Ngāi Tahu Property chief executive David Kennedy says having the final agreement with the Crown is a significant milestone.

“Our contractors from Ryal Bush Demolition are working hard to clear the site so we can begin the first stage as soon as we gain consent,” Kennedy says.

“We are proud that we are on-track to divert more than 90 per cent of the demolition waste from landfill by the time this phase of work completes.”

“This will be a modern, master-planned community, designed to ensure residents are happy, healthy and close to everything which is important to them.” 

“We are currently seeking input from the people of Tāhuna-Queenstown to ensure we build the right apartments. If you’re thinking of home-ownership in the next few years, log onto our website, NgaiTahuProperty.co.nz, and let us know what you would look for.”

“From there you can link to information about the KiwiBuild scheme and find out about eligibility.”

“We expect the first apartments will be ready by the end of 2022 – have your say now.”

Ngāi Tahu Property is now seeking the community’s housing preferences for the new development. Click here to have your say. 

For further information, please contact:

Ngāi Tahu Property Communications via felicity.wolfe@ngaitahu.iwi.nz or 021 572 870