A new housing development will provide 61 new modern, fit-for-purpose homes for Royal New Zealand Navy families and further strengthen the longstanding relationship between the NZ Defence Force and central Tāmaki tangata whenua, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.
05 October, 2026
Representatives from the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei gathered to mark the completion of the development and the start of NZDF’s long-term lease of the homes from the iwi on Thursday.
The terraced-style homes, across two sites close to Devonport Naval Base, include a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom properties, within easy reach of schools, green spaces and recreational facilities.
Deputy Chief of Navy Commodore Karl Woodhead said the development would make a real difference for Navy personnel and their families.
“They provide stability, belonging and a strong foundation from which our sailors can serve effectively, knowing their families are supported in modern fit-for purpose accommodation so close to the Naval base.”
He said the arrangement with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei recognised a new chapter, “one founded on partnership in our enduring relationship, mutual respect and a shared commitment to caring for our people”.
The project was delivered by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Whai Māia in collaboration with the Defence Estate and Infrastructure (DEI) team.
The NZDF’s relationship with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei as a landlord dates back to the 2012 Treaty of Waitangi settlement between Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and the Crown, which included the sale and leaseback of Defence housing on Auckland’s North Shore.
DEI representative Angela Bartoli said, “Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei has worked closely with the NZDF throughout the planning and development process, including giving Defence input into the site layout and design of the homes and involving us throughout construction.
“These are modern, spacious, light and well-planned homes in an excellent location for Navy families.”
The new housing development in Bayswater, on Auckland’s North Shore will provide 61 new modern, fit-for-purpose homes for Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) families.
Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust Chair Marama Royal said the development reflected the hapū approach to its commercial whenua, creating long-term value for future generations while enhancing the communities in which it invests.
“Our whenua comes with a responsibility to make good decisions for our whānau today and for those who come after us.
“Our approach to shaping Tāmaki through our developments is not simply about building homes. We want our developments to strengthen and enhance the communities they become part of. The Navy has a long-standing and important presence in the Takapuna-Devonport area, so we are proud that our whenua can support quality homes for Defence personnel and their whānau.
“It is equally important that the value we create flows back to our own people. We were pleased to have Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei whānau businesses contribute to the delivery of these homes, creating opportunities for them through the development of our whenua.
“This is a strong example of what we want our commercial partnerships to achieve. Long-term value for the hapū, opportunities for our whānau, a positive contribution to the wider community and reinvigoration of our beautiful city.”
Commodore Woodhead said projects of this scale were only successful through the hard work, expertise, and perseverance of many hardworking people.
“Having modern, fit-for-purpose housing supports the wellbeing of our people and their whānau and helps us retain our sailors and maintain an effective Navy.”
The homes will progressively become available for Navy personnel and their families to occupy.
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