Pensioner housing upgraded and opened

The completion of 14 modern, warm and dry homes for older people in Fagan Place, Mangawhai, was celebrated at an official opening last month.

Physical works to upgrade the housing started early last year, with all site works finished and residents settled in their new homes by mid-December.

Laminata, a Northland based housing provider, constructed the prefabricated modular units. Trigg Construction managed the site and were responsible for all site works, while Sheriff Builders assembled the sheds and tenant amenities. Projectus provided project management and oversight throughout the build.

Kaipara Mayor Jonathan Larsen said the project represented a significant investment in safe, warm and healthy housing for older residents.

“It was fantastic to see these new homes completed and residents moved in before Christmas,” Larsen said. “This is a step forward in making sure pensioner housing across the district meets modern standards and continues to support the wellbeing of older residents.”

Alongside the 14 new units at Fagan Place, Kaipara District Council also owns community housing at Kauri Court and Awakino Road in Dargaville, as well as in Ruawai. As a landlord, Council must ensure all its housing meets Healthy Homes standards.

The Mangawhai units, built in the 1980s, had never been upgraded and were in poor condition. These older units were demolished, and the new homes meet Healthy Homes requirements in line with the rest of Council’s community housing portfolio.

Council project manager Samantha McKeown acknowledged the tenants, who lived onsite during the project.

“We know this has been a long time coming, but we truly hope you’re now settling in and enjoying your homes,” she said. “We’re grateful for the trust you placed in our contractors and the KDC whānau throughout the construction process.”