Evergreen House – Whare Katoa is a community housing initiative created to support individuals aged 55 and over, as well as those living with chronic health conditions. It is tailored for people on the Public Housing Register who would benefit from homes that promote ageing in place and enhanced mobility. Priority is given to mana whenua in the allocation of these homes.

The development is spearheaded by The Jabez Initiative Charitable Company, with its directors donating their time and expertise for the betterment of their local community. Evergreen House comprises six residential units (one two-bed and five single-bed) with the 800 sqm section of land donated by neighbouring Te Puke Baptist Church.

Evergreen House received Lifemark® 4 provisional certification for all six units prior to construction, ensuring accessibility and suitability for ageing in place.

“Over the last couple of months, I have liaised often with Sarah at Lifemark® to ensure everything was set out correctly prior to gib installation,” says Amy Commings. Director of Cornerstone Design, the architectural firm overseeing the project.

This included the positioning of light and power stitches, the height of door handles, and the addition of timber nogs for grab rail fixings.

“Construction by GJ Gardner Homes is well underway, and we are now at ‘lock up’ stage, with exterior cladding completed and ready for painting, ahead of level-entry decks getting underway. Internally, the gib is up and gib stopping is nearly complete.”

Situated between Evergreen House and the church carpark (that accommodates tenant parking), a community garden is being developed. The gardens will be tended to by volunteers with all produce grown available for tenants to enjoy for free.

“It is so wonderful for our community to see this project taking shape, and we can’t wait to welcome our first tenants in late September.”