Sixty-eight new social homes have been completed and blessed across eastern Porirua, with some long-standing Miranda Street families able to move into new houses without leaving their neighbourhood.
Some whānau have lived on Miranda Street for more than 20 years. Their old homes are earmarked for removal, but new houses just down the road allow them to stay close to their neighbours.
All 68 homes had been blessed and were ready for occupation. Forty are at the Esk sites, with nine at 339 Warspite Avenue, seven on Miranda Street and seven at 2–4 Corinna Street. Another three are at Westmeath Street and Warspite Avenue, and two are at 136 Castor Crescent.
Te Rā Nui expects another six homes at 118 Castor Crescent to follow in February 2027.
The housing is part of Te Rā Nui, the partnership between Kāinga Ora, Porirua City Council and Ngāti Toa Rangatira.
Another 50 homes were under construction in October: 28 at the corner of Fantame, Castor and Miranda streets, and 22 at the remaining Esk sites. Sites were also being prepared for up to 80 more homes, while three existing houses have been moved by truck for re-establishment elsewhere in the development.
Central Pasifika Collective is developing a separate group of 32 Pasifika homes for sale on the Esk Block, with completion planned for December 2026.
Work planned across the neighbourhoods for 2027 includes replacing worn or undersized stormwater and wastewater pipes and renewing water supplies.
At Cannons Creek Park and Wetland, gravel paths on the western side and to Worcester Street have been completed. A nature play area, viewing platform and planting are planned for summer 2026–27, alongside further wetland earthworks and completion of stormwater and wastewater upgrades.
Further park work planned for autumn and winter 2027 includes a barbecue area, play area, paths and carpark resurfacing.
In Whitby, the new reservoir at Stemhead Lane has its base slab and wall panels in place. Roof completion is scheduled for summer 2026–27, with testing and commissioning planned for autumn and winter 2027.