Heron Crescent elder housing
This project is now complete!
Te Āhuru Mōwai o Hiria, the new elder housing development at 15 Heron Crescent in Katikati, was officially opened on Thursday 3 July by Mayor James Denyer. The project has delivered 26 warm, modern homes designed to support affordable, safe and connected living for older people in our community.
The project was fully funded by the Government, with $4.6 million from the Better Off Fund and $6.5 million from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development’s Affordable Housing Fund, at no cost to ratepayers.
The name of the complex - Te Āhuru Mōwai o Hiria - has been gifted by local hapū, Ngāi Tamawhariua. Āhuru Mōwai translates to sheltered/calm haven, where our elders are kept safe, while Hiria pays tribute to an early resident of the first homes and descendant of Ngāi Tamawhariua, Hiria (Celia) Wills, née Purukamu.
Design elements woven throughout the complex - including tukutuku panels, Poutama patterns, and block names that face the maunga Mauao, Hikurangi and Kaimai - embody a deep connection to whenua (land), whakapapa (heritage), and local identity.
Learn more about the building names and cultural design elements
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Mayor James Denyer cuts the ribbon alongside resident Terry WhiteheadBackground of the project
The 11 original units, which were built in the 1980s, were removed from the site and have been replaced by 26 modern, purpose-built, accessible units. Construction began in May 2024 and was completed in June 2025.
The development has three two-storey blocks:
Block A (Kaimai) – 10 one-bedroom units, with five units on each floor
Block B (Hikurangi) – 12 one-bedroom units, with six units on each floor
Block C (Mauao) – Four two-bedroom, two-storey town houses
