Manawatū headquarters opened by Kā te Rama Switched On Group

Kā te Rama Switched On Group opened its new Papaioea-Palmerston North Headquarters on 22 August, solidifying its presence and commitment to the wider region. To mark the formal opening, the construction and housing Group highlighted the need for local collaboration and supplier diversity to benefit the local economy and its people.  

The event brought together mana whenua, trade contractors, housing providers, insurers, economic development agencies and more to kōrero about taking a partnership approach to delivering construction work that will benefit regional businesses and the community.

Members of Rangitāne o Manawatū bless the new space with Group kaimahi.

Group Chief Operating Officer, Christian Smith (Ngāti Tūwharetoa) says that the opening is an exciting milestone in the Group’s mission to strengthen partnerships in Manawatū and beyond. 

“We have worked to maintain and enhance homes for whānau across Manawatū and Whanganui since 2020. This new office really cements our presence in the region and will enable us to create more mahi opportunities and local social impact. I am particularly excited to connect with more organisations who care about housing and community spaces, plus Māori and Pasifika trades and kaupapa that benefit local tamariki and rangatahi,” he says. 

As a whānau and iwi-owned construction and housing Group, Kā te Rama Switched On Group undertakes government, insurance, and commercial work through its business units, Switched On Housing and Switched On Building Solutions, across Manawatū, Horowhenua, and Whanganui, plus other regions nationally from Canterbury to Tairāwhiti. The Group collaborates with diverse local trades contractors to deliver facilities maintenance and renovation work for Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities, insurance projects, commercial fitouts and more. 

Photo: Trades partners participate in the formal blessing of the new Kā Te Rama Switched On Group headquarters in Palmerston North.

A core aspect of the Group’s national operations is its impact on local communities through fundraising, partnerships, and sponsorship initiatives that support whānau ora and te taiao – the environment. As an Amotai Registered Māori business, supplier diversity is also integral to the Group’s strategic impact.  

Smith says that the Group is looking forward to increasing its positive impact on suppliers and hapori in the Manawatū region.  

“With our new and larger local presence, we can expand our community impact and supplier diversity focus in Manawatū and the surrounding rohe – which is an exciting step for us and the trade businesses we partner with, who are all locals who care about locals,” Smith says. 

The Group is already making a difference in collaboration with trade partner Pro Industries, providing 10-day work experience placements to benefit people facing barriers to employment. More than 30 people have completed a comprehensive 10-day work experience programme designed to equip participants with hands-on skills, interview tactics, and a full induction into on-site work with Switched On Housing and Pro Industries. 

Chief Executive Chris Hughes emphasised the desire to build strong local partnerships for mutual benefit through his speech at the event. 

“By working alongside more local, Māori, Pasifika and diverse businesses on projects in the region, we can benefit local families and communities together,” he says. 

Switched On Building Solutions completed the fit-out of the new office, transforming a local two-storey building into a modern, multipurpose space. The new space showcases the Group's capabilities and its commitment to working with local subcontractors. 

Further local trades partners who support the Group’s mahi and share a passion for community contribution were also at the opening event. Representatives of mana whenua Rangitāne o Manawatū blessed the space. 

Kā te Rama Switched On Group is 50% owned by Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira and is Amotai Registered, with a commitment to supplier diversity and supporting the hauora of communities. The Group has a more than 40-year history maintaining and upgrading housing and commercial premises across Aotearoa.  

For more information contact: communications@switchedon.net.nz