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A group of Pasefika families in Wellington are beginning their home ownership journey, with the latest two phases of Central Pacific Collective’s Eastern Porirua development now under construction.
Over the past year, Pasefika families across the region have registered their interest in the development through the Our Whare Our Fale scheme, an initiative focused on making affordable housing accessible for the Pasefika community.
Central Pacific Collective is now working closely with these families to ensure they are mortgage-ready, supporting them through financial literacy and ownership planning. A key part of this journey is early engagement with Westpac NZ Mobile Lending Managers, helping families build financial confidence and get fit for home ownership.
The goal is to have 32 families pre-approved to purchase homes across the next two stages of the development, with move-in dates scheduled for December 2026 and January 2027.
The first phase of the Our Whare Our Fale development was completed last year, with 18 home-owners moving in prior to Christmas.
Through the shared home ownership pathway, Central Pacific Collective is able to contribute up to 40% of each house’s purchase price, with homeowners able to buy them out over time. Westpac supports shared ownership arrangements so can meet families’ borrowing needs with standard mortgages – the bank provided mortgages to all 18 families in that first cohort.
Chao Ma, Westpac NZ Mobile Lending Manager, worked with some of the families involved in that first phase.
“It was so rewarding being on that journey with the families,” Chao says.
“Many of them were initially a bit nervous about talking to the bank, but over time we built up good relationships. It was particularly special to be at the opening ceremony in December and see the smiles on the homeowners faces.
“Now that we’re into the winter months, I know all the families are particularly thankful for the warm, dry and modern houses they now own.”
Solar panels were installed on a number of the rooftops in the development, with the energy savings shared across all the homes.
Chao is now meeting with families who hope to be part of the next phase of homes.
“Helping people to build their financial confidence is really important and I’m grateful to have this opportunity to work with these families.”
Westpac is also supporting the ongoing financial confidence of families involved in Our Whare Our Fale by training Central Pacific Collective representatives to deliver financial education workshops.
Westpac’s Managing Your Money workshops cover topics such as budgeting, savings goals, managing your mortgage, managing your retirement and many more. The content will be shared with Central Pacific Collective facilitators to deliver.
Fa’amatuainu Tino Pereira, Chief Executive Central Pacific Collective, says it’s been incredibly meaningful to see the first group of families settle into their homes over the past six months.
“Enabling Our Whare Our Fale has been a journey of many years and we’re grateful to all our partners who have provided support along the way.
“We are not just building homes; we are building hope, stability and belonging for generations to come.”