Oneoneroa welcomes first residents
Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Properties has welcomed the first of its new residents to the Belmont development, Oneoneroa.
The hapū development company says it has received positive feedback from Oneoneroa’s newest community members.
Oneoneroa, launched late 2019, is Tāmaki Makaurau’s first major residential property development headed by a local hapū and has sold 12 of the 13 homes in its initial stage this year, with the remaining two-bedroom home expected to sell imminently.
All new homeowners in this stage of the development have received an electric bike, called ‘O-bikes’, a kono (food basket) and AT Hop Cards as a koha from the developer. The hand-woven kono contain an assortment of treats as well as a Kowhai seedling propagated at the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei nursery, Ōkahu Rākau.
Anahera Rawiri, Head of Culture and External Relations, for Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Properties, says Oneoneroa is the hapū’s first end-to-end development and the journey has been a long time coming.
“We purchased this whenua in 2013 as part of our Treaty settlement and knew then we had a long-term vision for this area. We are committed to not only building stylish, architecturally designed homes but also sustainable communities, and as a hapū we’re so proud to reach this milestone and see our vision come into fruition.
“It is a very significant moment to welcome the first members of the new Oneoneroa community. We wanted to make it as special for them by adding a personal touch with the kono, hand woven by one our expert weavers, Kororia Witika, using harakeke grown in Ōrākei,” says Anahera.
Engaged couple and first-time home buyers, Corinne Lee and Robin Findlay, already feel at home in their two-bedroom house and were touched by the welcome gift.
“Coming from an architecture and building background, finding something that suited our tastes was tough at first. What we love about Oneoneroa is that it’s just the right amount of contemporary and while it’s a terraced home, it doesn’t make you feel boxed in. My mum actually found it first and loved it too. She’s bought the three-bedroom diagonal from us.
“Oneoneroa feels different to other developments. Even moving in you don’t just get the keys, everything is personable, warm and welcoming. I am looking forward to this new community as it’s what makes a house a home,” says Corinne.
Corinne and Robin’s new neighbour, Chris Twiss, has lived on the Devonport peninsula for over 20 years and has moved into his new three-bedroom home with his teenage daughter, who attends Takapuna Grammar.
As a long-time resident on the North Shore, Chris says he is keen to see a creative and dynamic community emerge with an interesting blend of old and new.
“This is a once in a generation opportunity to do something incredibly unique with this community and as a hapū owned development, there’s more confidence in the kaupapa and stewardship you might not find anywhere else.
“Moving into a brand-new home is also great. There was a distinct lack of anxiety about things that need fixing that you’d find moving into older houses. Location wise it is a big tick and a stunning site,” says Chris.
To stay up to date on the Oneoneroa development or book a private viewing, visit Oneoneroa.co.nz to register your interest.
