Kāinga Maha wins big for housing innovation

The Residences at Karamū are built to 6 and 7 NZGB Homestar across five distinct typologies. The quality and aesthetics of the development are equal, ensuring a healthy and well-appointed home for all residents, irrespective of tenure.

With a clear vision from the outset, developer Kāinga Maha partnered with the Te Tūāpapa Kura Kāinga - Ministry of Housing and Urban Development NZ, Ngāi Tahu Property, Christchurch City Council (CCC), the Christchurch Methodist Mission and Emerge Aotearoa Group, enabling them to fast track the development over the last five years – ensuring it was delivered through the pandemic on time and on budget. A strong relationship with construction partner Home, who really bought into the vision for the Residences at Karamū, and CCC’s Community Housing DC rebate scheme, were key factors in the successful delivery of the project.

Head of City Growth and Property Bruce Rendall says the Council is pleased that its Community Housing DC rebate scheme has contributed to the success of this award-winning development.

“Kāinga Maha received three development contribution rebates totalling $276,891.04 (excluding GST) for 28 dedicated community housing units within their development.



“The scheme allows for a rebate of 100% of development contributions, for new social housing. It is a small step that can help social housing projects get off the ground,” he says.

Karamū Riccarton Park subdivision developer, Ngāi Tahu Property said they are pleased to work in partnership with developers that align with their values in delivering quality, sustainable housing.

Ngāi Tahu Property National Development Manager Dean Christie congratulated Kāinga Maha for winning the Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities Community and Affordable Housing Property Award.

“Kāinga Maha wanted to deliver warm, healthy and affordable homes for first-home buyers and community housing tenants. We are pleased that we could support them in structuring a land purchase agreement that enabled the delivery of affordable housing in Karamū for the residents of Ōtautahi Christchurch.”



The Residences at Karamū is a mixed-tenure development with a limit on investor purchases, so to prioritise first-home buyers and Community Housing Providers.

Despite the rapid rise in house prices experienced in Christchurch over the last three years, the not-for-profit developer sold homes to first-home buyers around 30% below the median house price for the area at the time, giving this Ōtautahi community a genuine opportunity to realise their dream to home ownership, as well as much-needed community housing.

Property Council chief executive Leonie Freeman said, “Housing in New Zealand is in crisis. But this project proves that a developer that is passionate about their purpose, and who works in partnership with key organisations can truly make a difference to those in need. The result is a sophisticated, scalable model that will continue to evolve and serve its community over time.”

The majority of houses have been sold to a mix of first-home buyers, homeowners, and a small portion to landlords, while approximately a third of the homes are owned by charitable trust Home Foundation and leased to two community housing providers, Christchurch Methodist Mission and Emerge Aotearoa.

Since completion, Home Foundation has invested additional resources into running placemaking activities and events for all residents and neighbours of the development and wider subdivision.



The Property Industry Awards, now in their 24th year, celebrate and showcase superior examples of iconic projects in property development. The judges were impressed with "the depth of research, engagement and project planning making The Residences at Karamū a standout entry demonstrating best practice in Aotearoa.”

Not-for-profit developer Kāinga Maha has RC approved for their next 63-home development in New Brighton called Te Pākau Maru. All designed to be climate-resilient and meet 7 NZGBC Homestar standards, this next project will build on the success and learnings of this now award-winning approach to delivering affordable housing for the benefit of Ōtautahi Christchurch.

For all sales and media enquiries, please contact Andrew Barrett from Kāinga Maha.