A warm, dry, and affordable home has completely changed life for Ohakune māmā Toni-Renee and her whānau of six, marking the first time in over a decade her tamaiti hasn’t needed hospital care for respiratory illness.
Before moving into their new whare at Ōrōnaki Kāinga in December 2024, Toni-Renee and her whānau lived for nine years in an old two-bedroom whānau homestead.
Although grateful for the whare where they made lifelong memories, it had no insulation, was damp and draughty.
“It was a struggle,” said Toni-Renee.
“We made it work, but it was cold and hard to keep clean. My son was constantly sick with asthma, eczema, and constant respiratory issues. We were always in and out of hospital, paying for ambulances, with overnight stays in Whanganui. It took a real toll on us mentally, physically and financially.”
Everything changed when the whānau moved into their new affordable whare at Ōrōnaki; a kainga development that Ngāti Rangi has delivered in partnership with Ka Ururoa.
“This is the first year in his life that he hasn’t gone to hospital for respiratory issues, he’s barely been sick all winter,” she said.
“The improvement in his health was instant. He’s able to go to kura more and play sports without struggling. My mental health has improved too, because his health has improved.”
Having a warm, dry and modern home has taken away stress, given the whānau dignity, enhanced our hauora and inspired hope for the future.
“It’s like living in a castle on the top of the hill,” she laughed.
“It’s so much warmer, there’s more space, and everyone has their own room. It’s brand new and the appliances are lovely, but the real gift is seeing my tamariki happy, healthy, and having their own privacy as they grow up.”
With five new whare coming in February 2026 in the Korokio subdivision, more uri will have the chance to access safe, stable, and affordable housing.
The partnership with Ka Uruora is to support whānau in growing their own financial capability.
All the whare are three-bedroom, two-bathroom homes with single carports and tailored pathways for each whānau.