Four Hastings District Council-owned sites in Flaxmere now have roading, power and water services installed, ready for the development of up to 200 new homes.
A community celebration was held to mark the completion of groundworks at the final site at 72 Caernarvon Drive at the weekend, centred on the unveiling of four new streets named after well-known Flaxmere identities.
Nominated by the community, Council says the local heroes contributed significantly to the suburb and beyond during their lifetimes.
Tuivaiti Street has been named after Pasifika community leader, Tuivaiti Fetaiaimauso Tuivaiti.
In a statement, the Council said Tuivaiti worked to strengthen community bonds through his organisation of sporting and church events, with younger people always encouraged to be part of the activities. His annual Kilikiti and volleyball tournaments, drawing the Samoan community from across Hawke’s Bay, were legendary.
He was president of the Samoan Labour Party, and was also the Tukituki Samoan community sports chairman, and would organise sports days that brought the Samoan community together.
Ratima Avenue was named after Des Ratima, a staunch advocate for the Flaxmere, as well as being known as the Mayor of Whakatū where the family later lived.
Chairman of Flaxmere Marae Committee for some time, he was passionate about sharing Māori tikanga and was committed to improving educational and health outcomes for Māori.
Poulain Way has been named after Jacob Poulain. Jacob was a fierce supporter and defender of Flaxmere, moving there in 1976 when it was a very new suburb. A true hard-working community man, he was known for his humble and gentle heart and his contributions – including being involved in Age Concern, being a member of the Flaxmere Licensing Trust for 11 years and being a foundation member and patron of Te Aranga Marae.
Kibblewhite Road is named after one of Flaxmere’s very first residents Ken Kibblewhite, whose passion and advocacy for the suburb was legendary, Council said.
Elected to the Flaxmere Licensing Trust in 1977, where he remained until his retirement in 2021. Ken was instrumental in gaining funding to contribute to Flaxmere projects. During his time on the Trust, more than $8 million was donated to projects in education, health
and welfare, community development, and recreation and sport.
Hastings Mayor, Sandra Hazlehurst said all four individuals made a huge impact to the lives of many.
“They epitomise the spirit of Flaxmere and the wealth of humanity, talent and leadership that can be found here,” she said.
“Celebrating this occasion is the result of a great deal of work by committed organisations working in partnership with council, including central government, government agencies, iwi, non-government organisations, and private sector representatives.
“We look forward to the construction of up to 75 new homes on this particular site in the near future.”
The homes to be built at Caernarvon Drive will add to the 17 first homes and 18 social homes that have been built in Tarbet Street.
Agreements are expected to be reached next month to build up to 45 new homes – a mix of affordable rentals and homes for purchase at 244 Flaxmere Ave.
And, behind the town centre, agreements are in placer to deliver 39 new affordable senior
housing units, with capacity for another 21 first homes, the Council confirmed.
