Wellington City Council has announced its Te Kāinga affordable rental housing programme is set to grow, with 56 refurbished central-city apartments planned for 57 Manners Street.
Te Kāinga is a partnership between the Council and private building owners to convert underused commercial buildings into quality, long-term rental apartments. Building owners are responsible for construction, retrofitting and maintenance, while the Council manages tenancies.
The new building will bring the programme to 528 apartments delivered or under contract – 35.2% of the Council’s target of 1,500 Te Kāinga apartments by 2033.
The development will include 12 studios, 41 one-bedroom apartments and three two-bedroom apartments, helping meet strong demand for smaller, affordable homes close to jobs, study, public transport and city life.
At least 10% of the apartments will achieve Lifemark 4 certification, supporting more accessible and universally designed homes. The building is expected to be ready for residents mid-2027.
Mayor, Andrew Little says the latest addition is another practical step towards increasing the supply of quality, affordable rental housing in Wellington.
“Everyone deserves a warm, dry, safe place to call home. Te Kāinga helps more people live close to the jobs, services, hospitality, recreation and entertainment that make Wellington one of the world’s most liveable cities,” he said.
“Te Kāinga encourages more residents into the central city, which supports local businesses, adds vibrancy to our streets and makes good use of existing buildings and infrastructure.”
The programme is aimed at people on medium to lower incomes who may otherwise struggle to find affordable, secure housing in the city. It supports the Council’s housing vision that all Wellingtonians are well housed, while helping revitalise the central city by bringing more residents into converted office spaces.
Chief Planning Officer, Liam Hodgetts says the Manners Street apartments will offer the things Te Kāinga tenants value most – affordability, security, location and a strong connection to the city.
“Te Kāinga gives people the chance to make a long-term home in Wellington, with below-market rent, open-ended tenancies and practical inclusions such as free Wi-Fi, whiteware, rubbish and recycling collection,” says Mr Hodgetts.
Te Kāinga tenants also have access to a dedicated tenancy team and Te Kāinga Plus, a resident benefits programme offering deals and discounts with local businesses and attractions.
Rents are set below market rate and balanced against the cost to lease each building, so the programme is designed to operate at no net cost to ratepayers over time.
The 57 Manners Street apartments are expected to open mid-2027. To find more information about Te Kāinga and register for updates on the new building, visit: www.tekainga-apartments.nz.
