FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

• Where is Te Pā Tāhuna?

  Te Pā Tāhuna will be built on the site of the old high school on Gorge Road. It will be just a ten-minute stroll from downtown Tāhuna - Queenstown, with a safe cycleway to the CBD, and on the main bus route to Frankton.

• When will homes go on sale?

  Public sales for the first 27 homes at Te Pā Tāhuna have started. Register your interest and you’ll be the first to know when there are more details to share for further releases. 

• Who is building Te Pā Tāhuna?

  Te Pā Tāhuna is a Ngāi Tahu Property project. We’re a leading property development company. We’ve been delivering quality residential communities and commercial projects for over two decades. You can find out more about us here.

   

• Do you have KiwiBuild options?

  We’re building more than 300 homes at Te Pā Tāhuna. Approximately one third will be available to people who qualify for KiwiBuild. So, if you’re looking to buy a home, KiwiBuild may be an option. Depending on where you’re at in your home buying journey, you can find out more information below.

  • Check if you are eligible to buy a KiwiBuild home
  • What you need to submit your application to KiwiBuild
  • Learn how the KiwiBuild purchase process works

  If you qualify for a KiwiBuild home, the processing time for applications is currently approximately 5-10 days. Each successful application is only valid for 6-months after approval. 

  
  Sign up for updates, and we’ll keep you posted when Te Pā Tāhuna apartments are about to go on sale. 

   

• How many KiwiBuild homes are available in the first stage at Te Pā Tāhuna?

  10 of the first 27 apartments at Te Pā Tāhuna are exclusively available for KiwiBuild eligible buyers. The ballot for these apartments closes at 11.59pm Thursday 22 April 2021. 

• What is a KiwBuild ballot?

  A KiwiBuild ballot is the confidential process used when it’s anticipated there are a greater number of eligible KiwiBuild buyers than available KiwiBuild homes. Eligible buyers can enter the ballot for one or more homes they are interested in buying.

  When the ballot is drawn, a name is randomly selected from the registered entries for that specific home. The successful ballot entrant is then given the opportunity to purchase that home. Their name is also automatically withdrawn from the ballot for any other remaining properties that they had registered an interest in buying.

  Successful ballot entrants who decide to go ahead with the purchase of the KiwiBuild home are required to sign a conditional Sale & Purchase Agreement. Following a period of due diligence, this agreement becomes unconditional.
  
  

• Who can enter the KiwiBuild ballot?

  Only pre-approved KiwiBuild buyers may enter the ballot. When the ballot opens, please make sure you are ready to buy. This includes applying for and being approved for KiwiBuild eligibility, as well as having your finances ready in case your name is drawn from the ballot.

  Remember, you may need a few days to get the required documents together. Once submitted, it can take up to five working days for your application to be considered and a decision made. If you’re interested in entering the Te Pā Tāhuna ballot, it’s important to get your application started as soon as you can.

• How do I enter the KiwiBuild ballot?

  Once the ballot is open, you’ll see the Te Pā Tāhuna KiwiBuild homes under the ‘Available properties’ tab when logging in to the KiwiBuild Buyer Portal.

  After entering the ballot you can view your application status under the 'My ballot entries' tab. Your ballot status will show as 'Awaiting confirmation' until our team has reviewed your application. Once reviewed, it will change to either 'Confirmed' or 'More information required'. If we require more information, we will be in touch to let you know.

  There are multiple KiwiBuild properties at Te Pā Tāhuna and a ballot will be available for each one. This means that if all of the properties look good to you, then you can enter all of the ballots. If your name is drawn for one property, you will be automatically removed from the remaining ballots.

  Please note that you may receive automated emails regarding each individual ballot that you enter.

• What are Te Pā Tāhuna’s sustainable development credentials?

  Te Pā Tāhuna will be a high-quality building close to central Queenstown built with above code insulation and energy efficient appliances and light fittings. 

  Main power will be sourced from renewable sources and raingarden stormwater treatment will minimise the development’s footprint.

  All possible care has been taken during the demolition and construction phase to minimise waste and the materials used for the development will stand the test of time.

• How are you planning on handling rubbish and waste management?

  The first building will include a secure refuse storage area in the carpark which is screened and open vented. Residents can deposit their refuse there for regular collection.

• How will the development affect Queenstown’s infrastructure?

  Ngāi Tahu Property takes the provision of infrastructure seriously. We're helping to ease pressure on the roads, by building warm, modern homes within walking distance of the town centre. We’re working closely with Queenstown Lakes District Council to minimise our impact. 

  Te Pā Tāhuna uses raingardens where possible to treat stormwater and slow down its release into the wider network. 
  The council is upgrading some parts of its network to lift capacity to the required levels.  Water supply infrastructure is not adversely affected.

• Will you allow properties to be bought for short-term leases like Airbnb?

  We want to create a vibrant central community for locals to enjoy for many years to come.  

  Most of the homes built are expected to be managed under a Body Corporate entity. Short-term AirBnB accommodation is not complementary to creating a vibrant and thriving community therefore this type of use will be prohibited by Body Corporate rules.

• How do I register my interest to work as a contractor on this project?

  We’re always keen to work with whānau where it’s a good fit. If you’re Ngāi Tahu, you can register with Te Aka Haumi o Tahu, our whānau business directory.

  You could also consider contacting Aukaha in Dunedin. They've links with the major Te Pā Tāhuna contractors. They might be able to help when it comes time to appointing companies to work on the project and providing employment or training opportunities. 

• What parking will be available?

  The first building at Te Pā Tāhuna has a total of 33 parks provided, one of which is communal visitor mobility park. All parks are accessory units which can be bought with the apartments, or possibly leased.

  Each of the live-work apartments will be assigned a visitor carpark as well as having the option to buy a resident park. Most upper level apartments will be offered with a carpark provided for within the purchase price, however some will have the option of purchasing a carpark. Depending on uptake further carparks may be available to residents. 

• Are pets allowed at Te Pā Tāhuna?

  Pets at Te Pā Tāhuna require approval from the Body Corporate. Please find the pet approval form here.