Supporting new Kāinga Ora development at North Street

Palmerston North's North Street has welcomed 50 new whare and a vibrant community space, developed by Kāinga Ora and Soho Group. Switched On Housing supported the opening celebration, providing kai for the community with hundreds of sausages on the barbecue. The event brought together the developer and build partners, community organisations, stakeholders, neighbours and the wider community, showcasing the collaborative spirit behind this project.

The new homes will welcome Kāinga Ora customers from February, offering warm, welcoming spaces in a supportive community. A new community space, managed by Y Central, has also been established to strengthen and engage local whānau and youth. Switched On Housing, as the maintenance partner, will ensure the whare and community space remain in top condition for years to come.

Kā te Rama Switched On Group Chief Operating Officer, Christian Smith, attended the opening event and the early morning karakia to bless the spaces. "We are thrilled to be part of this milestone for the Palmerston North community. These homes and the community space are foundations for growth, connection, and support for local people. As a maintenance partner, Switched On Housing looks forward to taking care of these spaces for our local hapori," he says.

After the events, Switched On Housing kaimahi made a donation of Beard Brothers sausages, fresh bread and drinks to Just Zilch Food Rescue, who will use the new community space alongside Y Central.

Looking ahead, Switched On Housing is exploring ways to further support the community space alongside Y Central and their partners, responding to the evolving needs of locals. This ongoing commitment underscores our dedication to enhancing environments across Aotearoa. 

The North Street development is a clear example of what can be achieved when organisations unite with a shared vision. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have on North Street and beyond.