Kāinga Ora turnaround plan continues to deliver
Kāinga Ora exceeded savings targets, cut social housing build costs, and improved landlord performance under a government-led turnaround plan launched in February 2025.
Kāinga Ora has surpassed its financial savings target, reduced the cost of building social homes, and enhanced its performance as a landlord, according to Housing Minister Chris Bishop and Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. The ministers highlighted the agency’s 2025/26 annual report, which demonstrates the Government’s turnaround efforts are yielding better value for taxpayers and improved outcomes for tenants.
The Government attributes the progress to an independent review, a refreshed board, and the implementation of a Turnaround Plan in February 2025. Previously, Kāinga Ora faced financial unsustainability, with debt rising from $2.3 billion in 2017/18 to $16.5 billion in 2023/24, alongside uncontrolled build costs and a loss of focus on core responsibilities.
Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka emphasized Kāinga Ora’s progress in its role as a landlord, noting improvements in tenant conditions and service responsiveness. He stated that social housing tenants now have access to healthier, drier homes, with faster property turnarounds and fewer rent arrears, while disruptive behavior is being addressed more seriously.
Minister Bishop reiterated that Kāinga Ora is returning to its core mission of providing quality homes in suitable locations for those in need. The Government asserts the turnaround plan is restoring public confidence in the agency’s ability to deliver on its responsibilities.