Community services in Manurewa are set to continue while Auckland Council and Kāinga Ora work towards new leases.
- In Manurewa, community groups will continue to operate from four properties that support whānau and groups after their leases were due to expire in June 2026.
- The services are supported with funding from the Manurewa Local Board and have been operating for over a decade from Kāinga Ora-owned properties which are leased by Auckland Council.
- In 2023, Auckland Council agreed to lease extensions on the properties on the understanding they would be returned to Kāinga Ora by 30 June 2026.
- At its May business meeting, Manurewa Local Board moved to propose new leases for the four community houses.
Council’s investigations identified that some service providers are in a better position to relocate in the short term, while others will need more time and support.
Manurewa Local Board chair Heather Andrew welcomes the lease extensions noting they provide temporary certainty. However, discussions are ongoing and timelines have not yet been agreed.
“We really want the best outcomes for our community, but we can only provide guidance for staff to work with Kāinga Ora.” says chair Andrew.
“And we appreciate how important these services are for our community, which is why we’ve supported them for many years because of the difference they make,” she says.
The houses provide affordable venues for social service groups, educational groups, ethnic groups and youth groups, which host low-cost or free classes for sewing, te reo Māori and drivers’ license courses, alongside essential support like food parcels, clothing, tool library, employment advice, peer support and much more.
“We’ve agreed with Kāinga Ora that the new leases allow providers to keep delivering services in the short to medium term, while recognising the properties are still needed for housing.”
Further updates will be shared with the community once lease agreements are confirmed.
View the recording and minutes of the board’s decision from the May 2026 business meeting.
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