1. Whānau and land readiness

Overview

This phase focuses on establishing the vision for a papakāinga, ensuring that whānau are prepared to make decisions about development on their whenua. It asks whānau to understand the barriers and constraints that come with development, and to know what can be done on their land. It also helps landowners and relevant whānau members know what they want to achieve, including housing needs, shared spaces, cultural values and long-term goals. Through this, whānau can understand what needs to be ready on the land before the planning phase.

Key areas covered

• Whānau vision: Establish a shared vision for the papakāinga by identifying housing needs, shared spaces, cultural values and long-term goals.
• Landowner engagement: Identify and engage with landowners and relevant whānau members to understand their interest, responsibilities and involvement in decision making.
• Land information and constraints: Gather information about the whenua, including ownership arrangements, land boundaries, existing land use, legal restrictions, and any known planning or development constraints.
• Initial site considerations: Identify the condition of the whenua and the infrastructure to consider, including access, terrain, natural hazards, water supply, wastewater and stormwater. This shows what may need further investigation before development begins.
• Whānau needs and priorities: Consider the current and future needs of the whānau, including the number and types of homes needed, accessibility, and communal facilities that support community wellbeing.

How our project covers this phase

Our papakāinga toolkit helps whānau establish a clear vision for the development of their papakāinga, while identifying the essential information for development. Through guided information and practical resources, the toolkit encourages whānau to consider housing needs, cultural values, landowner involvement, and possible site constraints and barriers. Rather than expecting whānau to have all the answers from the beginning, it helps them recognise what they already know and what information they still need to gather before the next phase.

Why it matters

Whānau and land readiness are key steps in the development of a papakāinga, because success begins with a shared understanding of what whānau actually want and what their whenua can support. Early preparation helps prevent disagreements over development priorities, uncertainty about the land, and overlooked site constraints, all of which can delay the project. By establishing a shared vision and identifying these requirements and constraints early, whānau can make more informed decisions and create a stronger foundation for a papakāinga that reflects their cultural values and long-term needs.

2. Planning and eligibility

Overview

The planning and eligibility phase focuses on determining whether the whenua is suitable for a papakāinga, and on helping whānau understand the planning rules that may affect what can be built. It helps whānau identify the relevant land qualifications, council and district requirements, and the approvals that would be needed before development, so they can plan and be prepared.

Key areas covered

• Land eligibility: Identify whether or not the whenua is suitable for papakāinga development.
• District plan requirements: Understand the relevant Hastings District Plan rules that determine where a papakāinga can be developed, what activities are permitted, and other constraints that could affect the development.
• Infrastructure and site suitability: Understand how access, water supply, wastewater, stormwater and other servicing requirements may affect the suitability of the whenua for development.
• Next steps and development readiness: Identify potential planning barriers early, and understand what information, approvals and further research are needed before the next phase.

How our project covers this phase

Our papakāinga toolkit helps whānau navigate the initial planning and eligibility requirements for developing their whenua. It guides users towards the relevant council information, district planning rules, possible consent requirements, and other approvals that may affect the development. By breaking these ideas into accessible guidance, it supports whānau to identify which requirements apply to their project and what steps to take next. This helps them recognise potential obstacles early, and seek appropriate advice before committing significant time and resources.

Why it matters

Planning and eligibility matter because not all whenua can be developed in the same way. Different sites can be subject to different rules, restrictions and approval processes, and these have to be considered when developing a papakāinga. Without understanding these requirements, whānau can invest in plans that are not realistic, leading to delays, extra cost, or changes to the original vision later on. Identifying the relevant planning rules and approvals early helps whānau make informed decisions, reduce uncertainty, and develop a more realistic pathway for their papakāinga.

3. Finance and feasibility

Overview

The finance and feasibility phase looks at whether the papakāinga project is financially realistic for the whānau. It helps whānau understand how much the development may cost, where funding could come from, and what financial responsibilities they need to prepare for before building.

Key areas covered

• Funding sources: Explore grants, government support, and other funding opportunities available for Māori housing and papakāinga developments.
• Loan schemes: Understand lending options and the challenges of borrowing against whenua Māori, which often cannot be used as standard bank security.
• Occupation licences: Understand how occupation licences can provide whānau with the right to occupy a defined area of Māori land, depending on the arrangements and legal requirements.
• Development contributions: Identify potential council contributions or charges associated with providing infrastructure and developing the land.
• Cost estimates: Estimate the overall costs of planning, design, infrastructure, construction, and ongoing maintenance.

Relevant NES-P rules and HDC rules

How our project covers this phase

Our papakāinga toolkit helps whānau identify the financial information they need before committing to a development. Rather than expecting them to have all the answers immediately, the toolkit guides them towards potential funding sources, cost considerations, and professional advice. This helps whānau make informed decisions about whether their project is affordable and achievable.

Why it matters

Finance and feasibility are important because building a papakāinga requires significant financial planning. Whānau may have access to whenua but still face challenges securing funding, understanding costs, or paying for infrastructure. By considering these issues early, whānau can reduce financial uncertainty, avoid unexpected expenses, and develop a realistic plan that supports their long-term housing goals.

4. Design and consenting

Overview

The design and consenting phase focuses on turning the whānau's vision into a practical development plan that meets planning requirements, building standards, and the needs of the people who will live there.

Key areas covered

• Masterplan: Develop a layout showing where homes, shared spaces, accessways, and infrastructure could be located across the whenua.
• Building consent: Understand the approvals required from the council to ensure buildings meet the New Zealand Building Code.
• Specialist reports: Identify whether reports are needed for matters such as geotechnical conditions, flooding, stormwater, or other site-specific issues.
• Wastewater: Plan how wastewater and sewage will be managed, particularly where connecting to public infrastructure is not possible.
• Access: Plan safe and suitable vehicle and pedestrian access, including connections to roads and emergency access where required.

Relevant NES-P rules and HDC rules

How our project covers this phase

Our papakāinga toolkit guides whānau through the main design and consenting considerations so they can understand what needs to happen before construction begins. It helps identify relevant council requirements, possible specialist reports, and infrastructure needs. The aim is to make the process easier to navigate and help whānau understand when they may need support from planners, architects, engineers, or council staff.

Why it matters

This phase matters because a papakāinga needs to be safe, practical, and suitable for the whānau who will live there. Understanding design requirements and consent processes early can help prevent delays, unexpected costs, and problems during construction. It also helps ensure that the development respects the whenua, meets relevant regulations, and provides housing and shared spaces that support the whānau's needs.

5. Construction and ongoing operations

Overview

The construction and ongoing operations phase focuses on bringing the papakāinga vision to life and making sure it continues to support the whānau in the long term. This phase covers the actual building process, managing who lives in the homes, maintaining the properties, and continuing to make decisions as a whānau.

Key areas covered

• Construction: Begin building the homes and infrastructure once the necessary approvals, funding, and preparations are in place.
• Tenancy: Establish clear agreements about who can live in the homes, their responsibilities, and how the housing will be managed.
• Maintenance: Plan for ongoing repairs, property upkeep, and the maintenance of shared spaces and infrastructure.
• Ongoing governance: Continue making decisions as a whānau, managing responsibilities, resolving issues, and ensuring the papakāinga reflects the shared vision.
• Long-term sustainability: Prepare for future costs and changes so the papakāinga can continue to support future generations.

How our project covers this phase

Our papakāinga toolkit helps whānau understand that the journey does not end once the homes are built. It encourages them to think ahead about property maintenance, tenancy arrangements, financial responsibilities, and how decisions will be made over time. By identifying these responsibilities early, whānau can prepare for the long-term management of their papakāinga and ensure it continues to meet their needs.

Why it matters

The goal of papakāinga is not just to build houses, but to create a lasting place for whānau to live, connect, and thrive. Having clear management plans and shared responsibilities helps protect the whenua, strengthen whānau relationships, and support future generations.