Iwi collaboration a first

Three buildings with 110 apartments are aimed at setting a new benchmark, writes Donna Fleming

Tuatahi means first, and it is an apt name for Ockham Residential’s latest property development. Although this is the ninth apartment complex the Auckland- based company has built, it’s their first collaboration with Marutuahu Ropu iwi, to build 110 apartments as part of the Government’s Crown Land Housing programme.

The scheme is aimed at using surplus Crown land — this Mt Albert site was originally intended for the Waterview roading project — and Ockham was chosen to partner Marutuahu because of its track record in building homes.

“This is a great partnership to be involved in, and hopefully Tuatahi will be the first of many collaborations between us and Marutuahu,” says Mark Todd, director and co- founder of Ockham.

Maori design has influenced the look of Tuatahi, which will consist of three separate buildings. The pitched roofs reference wharenui, and red, white and black brick detailing which will feature on the buildings was inspired by the tukutuku panels of the Marutuahu wharenui at Auckland Museum.

“The brick detailing is subtle, but is a bit of a point of difference for this project,” Todd says.

Another point of difference is the inclusion of a study centre in the complex. Ockham has previously included communal lounges for residents in its buildings, which Tuatahi will also have, but having a dedicated space with desks and internet access is a first.

“Education is important to us,” says Todd ( as well as sponsoring the New Zealand Book Awards, Ockham also has an educational foundation).

“The apartments are relatively compact and there may not be a lot of room for kids to have a desk in their bedroom. With the study centre, they have somewhere they can go to focus on their homework.”

Tuatahi will also have a lap pool and a green space area. “It is really important to us to encourage a sense of community among the residents,” Mark says.

The company is always looking for new ways of making its projects enjoyable to live in while sticking to its core philosophy of constructing apartments that are well- built, well- liked and affordable.

Ockham buildings are always low- maintenance and durable, and designed to stand the test of time, Todd says. “We want them to still look good in 20 years, and to be liked not just by the people who live there, but by everyone in the neighbourbood.”

Designed by Ockham’s in- house architect Tanya Wong, Tuatahi will be constructed of brick and plastered masonry. “The architecture is simple and stripped back, but quite striking,” says Todd. “We want all our buildings to enhance the environment, and we think Tuatahi will do that.”

The company tries to use as many New Zealand products as possible in construction.

All kitchens at Tuatahi will be Kiwi- made and feature Methven tapware. They will also have stone benchtops, tiled splashbacks and soft- close drawers.

In the bathrooms, the timber vanities will be New Zealand- made and the showers will have locally made custom stainless steel bases.

All apartments will have 2.7m high studs, double glazing, digital TV connections and heat pumps in the living rooms.

Todd says one of the biggest bonuses of Tuatahi is its location next to the Waterview Shared Path, a 3.4km cycling and walking path that will join Waterview and Mt Albert when it opens next month. It will connect to the existing Northwestern Cycleway, so it is possible to cycle TUATAHI, SOLJAK PL, MT ALBERT: Halfway between train stations in Avondale and Mt Albert, and on bus route along New North Rd. Next door to Pak’nSave supermarket and a couple of minutes’ drive to shops in Mt Albert. Also handy for Unitec. Six apartments come with a scooter parking space, the others each have a car parking space. OPTIONS: 1) Studio from 45sq m plus 5sq m balcony from $ 470,000 ( inc. scooter park). 2) One bed from 47sq m plus 5sq m balcony from $ 490,000 ( inc. scooter park). 3) One bed plus study area 58sq m with 5sq m balcony from $ 585,000 ( inc. one car park). 4) Two bed apartments are 58sq m with 6sq m balcony from $ 620,000 ( inc. one car park). BODY CORP: From $ 2176 to $ 3195 a year. INSPECT: SCHOOLS: CONTACT: ON THE WEB: into central Auckland. It will also join up with the Southwestern Shared Path which runs alongside the Southwestern Motorway.

“That is going to make it easy to get to lots of different places by bike,” says Mark.

But the thing that will appeal most to many buyers is the price, he reckons.

“People can get into the housing market for less than $ 650,000. We’re pleased to offer a realistic price point with good quality and design.”