MEDIA RELEASE


Simplicity Living announced today that it has purchased 1.4ha of land in Mount Albert for a 203 home Build-to-Rent development. 

The Simplicity Living homes will sit within the wider Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei led Te Punga development, which aims to deliver high-quality, well-designed homes and vibrant communities in Tāmaki Makaurau. 

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei have already begun construction on the initial phase of the Te Punga development, which will comprise 51 homes for sale.

This will be Simplicity Living’s eighth development in Auckland, and follows its announcement of plans to develop over 500 Build-to-Rent homes in Queenstown.

Simplicity Living’s plans for its site include 203 apartments, comprising 111 one-bedroom, 77 two-bedroom and 15 three-bedroom homes, supported by 186 car parks. The development will feature a resident lounge and work-from-home spaces, set within extensively landscaped grounds.

It will be built to an embodied carbon level not dissimilar to an equivalent mass timber building, with a design life expected to be 150 years. It will have solar panels, rainwater harvesting and a focus on minimising construction waste.

Located within walking distance of the Mount Albert train station and local retail amenities, the site is also close to major employment hubs and tertiary education facilities.

The project further strengthens Simplicity Living’s presence in Auckland’s inner-west suburbs and reflects its focus on delivering long-term rental housing in well-connected neighbourhoods.

“We’re on a mission to provide thousands of quality homes, across New Zealand, for long-term renting at affordable prices,” said Shane Brealey, Managing Director of Simplicity Living.

“Our unique combination of vertically integrated planning, construction, finance, ownership and management allows us to build better, faster and at lower cost.”

“And being funded via Simplicity KiwiSaver and Investment Funds means we can build through the economic cycle, employing quality tradespeople over the long term,” he said.

Simplicity Living is 100% owned by funds managed by Simplicity NZ Ltd, a default KiwiSaver and investment fund manager.

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei said the agreement reflects its approach of partnering with trusted, values-aligned organisations to deliver a mix of housing outcomes across its developments.

Ngarimu Blair, Deputy Chair of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust, said Simplicity Living’s Build-to-Rent model would add an important dimension to the Te Punga development.

“Simplicity Living is a recognised disruptor in the housing sector, with a strong focus on practical solutions to Auckland’s housing challenges,” Blair said. “Their plans enable mixed tenure within Te Punga, helping to create a vibrant and inclusive community, while allowing us to continue delivering stylish townhouses and spacious homes across the remainder of our land.”

Blair said the partnership also delivers important commercial outcomes for Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.

“From a commercial perspective, and in addition to the benefits to the hapū that enable continued investment in housing, education and wellbeing outcomes for future generations, this agreement allows us to progress future stages of Te Punga, including spacious standalone homes.”

Sam Stubbs, Managing Director of Simplicity NZ Ltd, said he was excited that Simplicity Living will be contributing to the development of Te Punga.

“Simplicity Living is thrilled to be working with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. This is a highly desirable location, and we’re looking forward to delivering high-quality, long-term rental homes that contribute positively to the wider Te Punga community, which has been thoughtfully planned.”

Subject to approvals, Simplicity Living expects to commence construction within 12 months.

Both organisations emphasised the importance of long-term thinking, quality design and community wellbeing in shaping Te Punga as a new neighbourhood within Mount Albert.