Ngāti Whātua – Strategic Property Advice, Residential Subdivision and New Builds

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua is spearheading a transformative housing project in Whangārei, delivering 16 homes through a new subdivision at Kent Road. This initiative reflects the economic, social, and cultural aspirations of Ngāti Whātua, supporting whānau with fit-for-purpose housing rooted in identity and place.

Land Matters has been engaged to manage the full lifecycle of this iwi-led development—from early-stage feasibility and planning through to site delivery and contract administration.

Land Matters’ scope included:

• Property advisory and budget feasibility
• Planning and resource consent management
• Civil engineering and subdivision design
• Title surveys and LINZ submissions
• Project management and Engineer to Contract services

This end-to-end approach ensured early decisions were well-informed, delivery risks were minimised, and the project remained grounded in iwi priorities.

Delivering this project requires careful balancing:

• Integrating iwi cultural narratives into planning and design
• Aligning budget constraints with sustainable, high-quality housing
• Achieving regulatory compliance while maintaining tikanga
• Managing diverse stakeholder expectations and multi-phase delivery

Land Matters worked closely with Ngāti Whātua and Whangārei District Council to ensure approvals progressed smoothly while reflecting the kaupapa of the development. Regular engagement, transparent reporting, and onsite oversight supported delivery through the physical works phase.

Key Outcomes:

• Project progressing on time and within budget
• Cultural design narratives embedded in built outcomes
• Feasibility and funding strategies tailored to iwi needs

By supporting this kaupapa from concept to construction, Land Matters helped Ngāti Whātua realise a vision for sustainable, connected, and community-owned housing in Whangārei.