Te Hiku Housing Expo Brings Whānau, Experts, and Housing Pathways Together

On 27 September 2025, the Te Hiku Housing Expo was held at the Te Hiku Sports Hub, bringing together whānau, housing professionals, and local organisations for a day focused on connection, learning, and practical support.

The kaupapa of the Expo was simple and clear. To give whānau in Te Hiku direct access to trusted local housing experts, all in one place, and in an environment that felt welcoming, safe, and grounded in our community values.

A One-Stop Space for Housing Conversations

Throughout the day, over 250 whānau attended the Expo, engaging with 12 stallholders offering support across a wide range of housing-related services. These included banks, mortgage and insurance brokers, lawyers, builders, building inspectors, budgeting services, and government agencies such as Te Puni Kōkiri and Far North District Council.

For many whānau, the Expo created an opportunity to have important housing conversations that can often feel overwhelming or hard to start. Having professionals available face to face meant questions could be asked openly, advice could be tailored, and next steps could be discussed with clarity and confidence.

As one attendee shared, it was valuable to have “all my hard housing conversations in one place, on one day”.

Whānau-Centred and Community-Led

The Expo was designed with whānau at the centre. Kai was available, tamariki had space to play, and the atmosphere encouraged relaxed kōrero rather than formal appointments. Kuia and kaumātua from across Te Hiku were present, adding to the wairua of the day and reinforcing the importance of whanaungatanga.

Local leadership also showed strong support, with attendance from Mayor Moko Tepania, local councillors, and community advocates. Their presence reflected a shared commitment to improving housing outcomes for whānau across the rohe.

Strong Collaboration Across Te Hiku

The success of the Expo was made possible through collaboration between Te Iwi o Ngāti Kahu Trust, Te Pouahi o Te Tai Tokerau, and North Studios Ltd, alongside the many stallholders who generously shared their time, expertise, and resources.

Promotion for the event included radio advertising, newspaper coverage, posters and signage around Kaitaia and surrounding areas. However, the strongest engagement came through direct contact with whānau and community networks, particularly social media group chats and posts shared through the Ngāti Kahu Iwi page. This grassroots approach ensured the kaupapa reached the people it was intended for.

Building Pathways, Not Just Events

The Te Hiku Housing Expo was not just a one-off event. It forms part of a wider commitment to supporting whānau with housing education, financial capability, and long-term planning. The Expo also aligned closely with the Sorted Kāinga Ora workshops, helping create clearer pathways from learning to action.

Feedback from whānau and partners has been overwhelmingly positive, with strong support for continuing this kaupapa in the future. Planning is underway to explore future housing expos, with the aim of making them a regular opportunity for whānau to connect, learn, and move forward.

Ngā mihi nui to all who attended, supported, and contributed to making the Te Hiku Housing Expo a meaningful and successful day for our community.

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