18 Pasifika Families Move into new homes with 'Our Whare, Our Fale'
“When Pasefika lead, when we design for our own needs, when we work in true partnership, we can change our future.”
That belief is now taking physical form in eastern Porirua, where 18 Pasefika families have received the keys to their new homes as part of Our Whare Our Fale, a community led housing development delivered by Central Pacific Collective (CPC).
For new homeowner Erin Millar, the moment represents long awaited stability after years of uncertainty.
“This is a life changing moment for me. In the last eight years we’ve had to move four times. Our new home will bring stability, and certainty to me and my whanau. We even have an accessible space for our Grandma when she needs to come and stay.”
Manu and Viena Paongo are also preparing to build new memories in their home, surrounded by community. “We are particularly excited to celebrate our first Christmas in the new home,” they stated early December last year. “We know that our new village community will support and uplift everyone, offering special moments reminiscent of the village life we enjoyed in the islands.”
Viena sees the village model as an opportunity to strengthen collective wellbeing. “I am eager to utilise my skills and knowledge alongside fellow nurses to support health literacy for all residents. By working together, we can improve the well-being of our village and secure a healthier future for our children.”
The completion of the first 18 homes marks a significant milestone for CPC, with the project delivered ahead of schedule and under budget. Designed by Pasefika for Pasefika, Our Whare Our Fale reimagines village life in Aotearoa, with homes built around a central malae and shared fale that encourage connection, support, and multi generational living.
CPC CEO Fa’amatuainu Tino Pereira MNZM says the project demonstrates what is possible when communities lead their own solutions. “We said we would deliver quality homes that reflect who we are as Pasefika people, and we’ve done exactly that.”
Grounded in the principle of Anoafale, the development recognises that housing is not just about buildings, but about people, relationships, and identity. The Homestar 6 certified homes are designed to provide healthier living environments for families who are more likely to experience damp and overcrowded housing.
The project has been made possible through a partnership with Ngāti Toa Rangatira, who provided perpetual leasehold land, alongside support from local government and funding from Budget 2022 managed by the Ministry for Pacific Peoples. Helmut Modlik, Tumu Whakarae of Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira, says the kaupapa reflects what can be achieved when communities lead, design, and build for their own needs.
Construction has been delivered by local Pasefika builders, led by South Coast Construction, creating employment opportunities across the region.
With Stages 1.2 and 1.3 already underway for a further 32 homes, CPC is building momentum toward its longer term goal of up to 300 homes across eastern Porirua. For the families now holding their keys, the change is already clear.
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Thumbnail: Viena and Manu Paongo receiving the keys to their Our Whare Our Fale home from CEO Fa'amatuainu Tino Pereira | Photographer: Saint Andrew