Te Pā Harakeke

About the project

In response to the district’s growing need for affordable senior housing, Hastings District Council developed a master plan for its landholdings in Flaxmere, preparing four key sites for residential development. This 8,760 m² site, located centrally within Flaxmere Town Centre, is ideally situated near the community centre, library, pool, and other essential amenities, supporting a lifestyle that is connected, active, and accessible. In October 2023, Council secured $7.2 million in funding from the Government’s Affordable Housing Fund to make this vision a reality.

Te Pā Harakeke: a name of connection and heritage

The name "Te Pā Harakeke" is inspired by the harakeke plant, symbolising family. Like the plant, with its mature outer blades sheltering younger ones, this housing complex represents a space where our elderly residents can feel secure, connected, and valued. The name, endorsed by the Flaxmere Planning Committee, pays homage to the area’s original name, Pāharakeke (Flaxmere), and is free of mana whenua ancestral associations, making it an inclusive symbol for all Hastings residents.

Community and design features

Te Pā Harakeke offers 39 residential units arranged into twelve blocks, featuring four different unit types to accommodate diverse needs:

• Type A: One-bedroom, one-storey (48 m²)
• Type B: One and a half bedrooms, one-storey (56 m²)
• Type C: Two-bedroom, one-storey (72 m²)
• Type D: Two-bedroom, two-storey (84 m²)

Each unit is designed with modern materials and a cohesive colour palette, creating a visually appealing and welcoming environment. Front entrances face public roads, enhancing connectivity and visibility, while private patios at the back provide outdoor space linked to central communal areas with gardens, a pavilion, and walkways. The landscaping blends with the public realm, fostering a sense of community and interaction.

Convenient and accessible parking

Residents and visitors will find convenient parking at Te Pā Harakeke, with two entry points from Pam O’Keefe Avenue leading to two parking areas. With a total of 40 spaces, including four accessible spots, the parking arrangement prioritises ease of access and supports the communal atmosphere of the village.

Bringing the vision to life

Designed in collaboration with cultural advisors and based on Te Aranga Design Principles, Te Pā Harakeke celebrates local heritage and embodies a sense of place and purpose. Principal Advisor Charlie Ropitini worked closely with Council Officers and design partners to incorporate cultural elements into the layout, colour palette, and landscape, ensuring the development is both reflective of the area’s history and forward-looking.

A commitment to affordable senior housing

The development of Te Pā Harakeke is part of Hastings District Council’s broader strategy to provide safe, affordable housing for our ageing population. This project ensures that our seniors have access to homes that offer stability, support, and connection within a thriving community.

As with its current housing, rents for the new homes will be set at a percentage of equivalent market rent. In the case of the new homes that will be 80 per cent of median market rent, meeting the threshold for ‘affordable housing’ set by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development. The rent for Council’s existing homes is set at 65 per cent of market rent.

How can I apply?

Applications for the units are expected to open in October 2025. We will provide updates as they become available.

For more information on applying to the existing Senior Housing Portfolio, visit How to Apply | Hastings District Council