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Volumetric modular housing from China forms parts of Kāinga Ora’s strategy to address housing shortage.
In response to the growing housing demand in Hamilton, New Zealand, Kāinga Ora (New Zealand’s public housing agency) is accelerating its public housing programme by importing 76 volumetric modular housing units from China, set to be installed throughout the city.
The volumetric modular housing units are anticipated to arrive complete with interiors, kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, and even paintwork. The intention is for them to be configured for speedy assembly upon arrival in New Zealand, they will be attached to foundations and connected to necessary services.
Patrick Dougherty, Kāinga Ora’s General Manager of Construction and Innovation, stated that all volumetric modular housing units have obtained the required building consents and are in compliance with New Zealand standards. The production process was closely monitored by Kāinga Ora’s New Zealand-based construction partner, Tawera Group, which conducted thorough inspections before the buildings were shipped from China.
Dougherty highlighted Kāinga Ora’s commitment to innovation and the use of various construction methods to expedite home delivery. A notable part of this strategy involves offsite manufacturing. According to Dougherty, offsite manufacturing for public housing developments across New Zealand is anticipated to increase to 12 percent by the end of June 2024.
Watch Tawera Group’s modular housing factory in China
In addition to importing the modular housing units, Kāinga Ora is also expanding its public housing supply in the Waikato region. This expansion includes redeveloping existing properties, acquiring new land, forming partnerships with developers to construct homes, and purchasing newly built developments.
The project, encompassing the installation of 76 new modular homes, is scheduled for completion between March and October 2024.
