The Whakapakari te Kāinga Project / Urenui Pā Redevelopment Project continues to make exciting progress as we move closer to bringing our vision for Urenui Pā to life.
Te Aroha Rebuild Nears Completion
Over the past few months, Te Aroha has advanced significantly, with the building now moving into its final stages of development. Skylights, aluminium windows, and high-quality insulation are now in place, while timber cladding has given the exterior its completed look. Inside, the focus has shifted to detailed interior finishes — wall linings, joinery, and fixtures are taking shape to create a refined and welcoming space. However, the interior of the wharenui itself remains unseen in line with tikanga, providing a special surprise for uri on the opening day. Together with the polished concrete floors and attention to detail across the site, Te Aroha is rapidly becoming the vibrant, long-lasting community hub we have long envisioned.
New Carpark and Site Improvements
Alongside the main building, site works have also been progressing well. A new carpark has been formed, improving accessibility for whānau and visitors and ensuring the site can accommodate future gatherings with ease. Pathways are being carefully laid and drainage systems refined, ensuring that movement across the site is safe and sustainable year-round.
Preparing the Whenua for Planting
Looking ahead to spring, preparations are underway to ready the whenua for planting. Soil preparation and groundworks will ensure the land is fertile and well-structured, providing strong foundations for a diverse and sustainable planting programme once the weather warms. At the same time, new concrete paths are being laid around the pā, significantly improving accessibility throughout the site. These paths will provide safer and more defined routes for all visitors, ensuring that kaumātua, tamariki, and whānau alike can move easily between Te Aroha, the urupā, and other parts of the pā. Together, these works strengthen both the cultural and environmental resilience of Urenui Pā.
As with all stages of this redevelopment, each milestone represents the dedication of many hands and hearts working together for the benefit of Ngāti Mutunga and the wider community. We look forward to sharing further updates that capture the transformation as it happens.
