The blessing and official opening of the Waata Whānau Papakāinga at Pingao Estate was held in November 2025 in Whakatiwai, Kaiaua, with many whānau and supporters attending including Hauraki District Council Mayor Toby Adams, Te Puni Kōkiri kaimahi and contractors.

John Waata, trustee and project lead for the development, acknowledged the collective effort that made this vision a reality, sharing the whakataukī: “Mā mua ka kite a muri, mā muri ka ora a mua. Those who lead give sight to those that follow and those who follow give life to those who lead.”

Former Te Puni Kōkiri kaimahi Pat Nathan also attended, recalling her first meeting with John Waata and his whānau at a papakāinga workshop in 2015 – the beginning of this journey. “I am privileged to attend the opening, and incredibly proud of what John and the Pingao Estate Trust have achieved for their whānau whānui,” says Pat.

Seven affordable, collectively owned rental homes have been developed as well as infrastructure for seven additional sites for future home ownership. Pīngao Estate Trust engaged and appointed the services of Paora Sheeran and his team at Sheeran Associates Ltd to manage the project.

Te Puni Kōkiri Team Leader Waikato-Waiariki, Alonzo Mason, reflected on the significance of the papakāinga, saying “the establishment of this papakāinga is a living example of our whānau-centred, locally-led, and government-enabled approach.”

Te Puni Kōkiri draws strength from our past to build an Aotearoa where whānau can all stand, thrive and belong. The Waata Whānau Papakāinga stands as a testament to perseverance, collaboration, and the vision of bringing whānau home.