New Flaxmere streets opened – housing groundworks complete

Another milestone in the provision of more housing for the people of Hastings has been reached with the completion of groundworks at a site behind Swansea Ave in Flaxmere.

This is one of four council-owned sites that are being developed for housing in Flaxmere, between them projected to deliver up to 200 new warm, safe, quality homes.

Supported by Central Government, the completion of groundworks at Swansea Ave has included the creation of three new streets.

At the weekend the community gathered with representatives from Hastings District Council, Central Government, and Council’s other housing partners to open the new streets, which are named after three local Flaxmere heroes – all nominated by the community.

In honour of Pam O’Keefe, one of the streets is Pam O’Keefe Avenue.

Pam gave back to her community in many different ways.  She spent countless hours at Te Aranga Marae, the Flaxmere Boxing Academy, the community gardens, and travelling the streets with the Tunu Tunu, community barbecue.

Along with former Hastings councillor and Hastings ambassador Henare O’Keefe, she cared for many foster children over the years, providing a safe home.

Te Ara Huata has been named after Tama Huata – a trailblazer for Māori arts and culture both in Heretaunga and beyond.

Tama was behind the formation of the Kahurangi Māori Dance Theatre, and led the establishment of Te Wānanga Whare Tapere o Takitimu, and the Taikura Kaumatua programme.

He was instrumental in the development of Ngā Pou o Heretanga in Civic Square in Hastings, and led the team that brought Te Matatini to Hastings in 2017, and he founded the National Waiata Māori Music Awards.

Te Ara Moeke is named in recognition of local master carver Haami Moeke.

His most notable works locally can be found at Te Aranga Marae, EIT, and Napier’s Pukimokimoki.

He was also a teacher, a role model and a “go-to man” for many marae – often volunteering his carving skills and knowledge, and renowned for his special ability to weave history with the present.

Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said it was very special to have whānau members come together in Flaxmere on Sunday [July 21] to celebrate the occasion.

“We are proud that the community recommended that these people be recognised, and it’s wonderful that their contributions will be remembered forever through these new streets.

“All three of these outstanding individuals made a huge impact on the lives of many.”

She said it was also exciting to have reached another milestone on Council’s journey to provide more homes for the community.

“This has been the result of a great deal of work by committed organisations working in partnership to find solutions to our housing crisis.

“Central Government, government agencies, iwi, non-government organisations and private sector representatives have been around the table with the Council team, and we look forward to construction starting on the new homes at this site.”

For the first time in 40 years, new affordable senior housing will be delivered with allocation for 39 warm, safe, quality homes in the Swansea Ave subdivision.

There is also capacity for another 21 homes to be built at the site, which Council is hopeful will include first home options delivered by its development partners.  Council is exploring options for how the commercially zoned area on this site will be used.

This follows 17 first homes and 18 social homes already built at Tarbet Street, and physical works completed at 244 Flaxmere Ave with the aim to deliver up to 45 homes - a mix of affordable rentals and home ownership options.

Within the next month, groundworks at 75 Caernarvon Drive will also be complete, earmarked for about 77 new homes.

22 July 2024

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