Latest news with #JasonRogers
RNZ News
3 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Rotorua hapū trust expand affordable rental initiative
The opening of the first homes at the Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau housing development in Rotorua. Photo: Supplied/Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau An affordable rental initiative is being expanded by a Rotorua hapū trust, which hopes to get more of its whānau into home ownership. The Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau housing initiative opened the first houses in its Ōwhata development in June, and recently acquired 39 more homes in the suburb of Koutu . Ōwhata 2B and 7 Trusts chair Jason Rogers said the trusts established Ōwhara Kōhanga Rākau three years ago to develop mixed tenure housing on the site of a tree nursery managed by the hapū. Rogers (Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Te Roro-o-te-Rangi) said the development will eventually include 93 mixed tenure homes, made up social rentals, affordable rentals and shared ownership homes. Thirty-eight affordable rentals are completed with whānau living in them, he said. "Affordable rentals are charging 80 percent of the market rent and of course that saving, that 20 percent discount to the market rent is significant for our whānau out there." Chair of the Ōwhata 2B and 7 Trusts Jason Rogers. Photo: Supplied/Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau The average rent for a three bedroom home in Rotorua sits at about $700 a week, at the Ōwhata development rent sits at about $550 a week, Rogers said. "The idea with our model is that we actually don't want you in the affordable rentals longer term, we want you to move up to shared ownership. "With the 38 whānau that are living in our affordable rentals out at Ōwhata, one of the whānau has been there since we completed the development, which was late last year, and they are now looking to buy their first home... so they come out of affordable rentals, they'll end up owning their own house which is wonderful. That's what we're all about." Rogers said under the shared ownership model, whānau start out buying a 75 percent stake in their house, with the trust funding the other 25 percent, over the next several years whānau purchase the Trust's shareholding out. "[The whānau] feedback to us is 'we'd given up hope of owning our own homes,' so this is a wonderful way for them to get into home ownership especially back on some of their ancestral lands as well." Without these shared ownership models it was hard for younger people especially to purchase homes, he said. "Certainly in our case what we've seen is that some of our whānau have been living in less then desirable housing conditions, a lot of damp, wet, cold houses through to overcrowded houses, through to in one case whānau living in a car." The Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau mixed tenure housing development in Rotorua. Photo: Supplied/Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau The trusts recently announced they would be expanding the housing initiative with the unconditional purchase of 27 completed homes, and 12 vacant sections for new builds, in Frank Street, in the suburb of Koutu in Rotorua. Rogers said they were fortunate to receive some funding from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development which enabled them to take over the property. They sent out expressions of interest for the first 11 homes at the new site, which start construction in October. By the next morning they had received over 80 applications for those 11 homes, he said. "The need for housing is definitely still there, in Rotorua the demand is still there." Rogers said it was great to be expanding, but a collective effort was needed by the council, iwi housing providers, the government and the private sector to get more housing stock, he said. "Rotorua has suffered from a low build rate over the years, so consents are generally under a hundred a year... but the last three years the building consent numbers have jumped up to 400 which is really fantastic but it's only a step in the right direction there's still more that needs to be done." In spite of the challenges, Rogers said it was a great model for other iwi to look at developing. He said affordable rental programs like Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau were really critical to addressing affordable housing supply long term.
Scoop
09-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Westpac NZ And Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau Support Rotorua Whānau Into Homes
Press Release – Owhata Kohanga Rakau The first stage of the development opened in December last year, when 16 whnau moved into affordable rental properties. Last month local kaumtua moved into 20 affordable rental properties that were set aside specifically for them in the heart … Westpac NZ and Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau Housing are celebrating a partnership which will see the delivery of a major new housing development on Māori land in Rotorua, with the latest milestone the unveiling of a new monument sign for the community's entrance. The Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau development will deliver 93 mixed tenure homes to local Rotorua whānau through social housing, affordable rentals and shared home ownership arrangements (also known as progressive home ownership). Westpac has provided funding for the project – where 36 affordable rental homes have been completed and a further 30 homes are under construction. Westpac is also providing mortgages to help whānau purchase properties through Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau's shared ownership pathway on leased land. Jason Rogers, Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau Chairman, says the entrance sign's unveiling is a significant event for the iwi with whānau and kaumātua now living in the affordable homes. 'Ultimately this community will comprise 93 new, well designed warm homes on whenua Māori. Our goal has been to bring stability in housing outcomes for our people and the sign is a milestone that will strengthen that sense of connection to the whenua. This is a significant undertaking and the project will deliver much needed housing for our people and the community,' Mr Rogers says. 'Having Westpac on board as a bank partner has meant we've been able to work quickly to begin delivering the next stage of homes and we're grateful for their support. We'd also like to acknowledge the support of the Ministry for Housing and Urban Development and Armillary Private Capital, who acted as financial advisors and undertook the financial modelling for the project.' Reuben Tucker, Westpac NZ General Manager Institutional & Business Banking, says Westpac is pleased to be able to play a role in the development. 'As a bank, we're committed to supporting more New Zealanders to find a place to call home,' Mr Tucker says. 'The range of different housing options available through the Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau development is hugely significant, especially since it is on whenua Māori. We're excited to support the aspirations of everyone involved.' The first stage of the development opened in December last year, when 16 whānau moved into affordable rental properties. Last month local kaumātua moved into 20 affordable rental properties that were set aside specifically for them in the heart of the new community. The full development is scheduled for completion next year. What is shared home ownership? These are arrangements such as shared equity, leasehold or rent to buy in which a third party – usually a Community Housing Provider, including charitable trusts and Iwi Māori groups – contributes equity or land towards a customer's first home purchase, reducing the size of the deposit they need and the size of repayments. In the case of shared equity, the model used at Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau, the customer then pays the provider back their portion of equity at a manageable rate over time until they own the home outright. A key barrier for first home buyers is saving for the traditional 20% deposit to qualify for a home loan. Shared equity and leasehold arrangements can help buyers qualify for lending with as little as 5–10% deposit and a smaller loan to service, bringing home ownership and the benefits it provides closer within reach. At Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau, a shared home ownership model is being used to support whānau with whakapapa (ancestral connection) to the Ōwhata and Rotorua area, helping them establish long-term security in a new home of their own. Westpac is able to provide standard residential home loans to customers participating in shared equity or leasehold arrangements.
Scoop
09-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Westpac NZ And Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau Support Rotorua Whānau Into Homes
Press Release – Owhata Kohanga Rakau The first stage of the development opened in December last year, when 16 whnau moved into affordable rental properties. Last month local kaumtua moved into 20 affordable rental properties that were set aside specifically for them in the heart … Westpac NZ and Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau Housing are celebrating a partnership which will see the delivery of a major new housing development on Māori land in Rotorua, with the latest milestone the unveiling of a new monument sign for the community's entrance. The Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau development will deliver 93 mixed tenure homes to local Rotorua whānau through social housing, affordable rentals and shared home ownership arrangements (also known as progressive home ownership). Westpac has provided funding for the project – where 36 affordable rental homes have been completed and a further 30 homes are under construction. Westpac is also providing mortgages to help whānau purchase properties through Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau's shared ownership pathway on leased land. Jason Rogers, Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau Chairman, says the entrance sign's unveiling is a significant event for the iwi with whānau and kaumātua now living in the affordable homes. 'Ultimately this community will comprise 93 new, well designed warm homes on whenua Māori. Our goal has been to bring stability in housing outcomes for our people and the sign is a milestone that will strengthen that sense of connection to the whenua. This is a significant undertaking and the project will deliver much needed housing for our people and the community,' Mr Rogers says. 'Having Westpac on board as a bank partner has meant we've been able to work quickly to begin delivering the next stage of homes and we're grateful for their support. We'd also like to acknowledge the support of the Ministry for Housing and Urban Development and Armillary Private Capital, who acted as financial advisors and undertook the financial modelling for the project.' Reuben Tucker, Westpac NZ General Manager Institutional & Business Banking, says Westpac is pleased to be able to play a role in the development. 'As a bank, we're committed to supporting more New Zealanders to find a place to call home,' Mr Tucker says. 'The range of different housing options available through the Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau development is hugely significant, especially since it is on whenua Māori. We're excited to support the aspirations of everyone involved.' The first stage of the development opened in December last year, when 16 whānau moved into affordable rental properties. Last month local kaumātua moved into 20 affordable rental properties that were set aside specifically for them in the heart of the new community. The full development is scheduled for completion next year. What is shared home ownership? These are arrangements such as shared equity, leasehold or rent to buy in which a third party – usually a Community Housing Provider, including charitable trusts and Iwi Māori groups – contributes equity or land towards a customer's first home purchase, reducing the size of the deposit they need and the size of repayments. In the case of shared equity, the model used at Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau, the customer then pays the provider back their portion of equity at a manageable rate over time until they own the home outright. A key barrier for first home buyers is saving for the traditional 20% deposit to qualify for a home loan. Shared equity and leasehold arrangements can help buyers qualify for lending with as little as 5–10% deposit and a smaller loan to service, bringing home ownership and the benefits it provides closer within reach. At Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau, a shared home ownership model is being used to support whānau with whakapapa (ancestral connection) to the Ōwhata and Rotorua area, helping them establish long-term security in a new home of their own. Westpac is able to provide standard residential home loans to customers participating in shared equity or leasehold arrangements.
Scoop
09-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Westpac NZ And Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau Support Rotorua Whānau Into Homes
Westpac NZ and Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau Housing are celebrating a partnership which will see the delivery of a major new housing development on Māori land in Rotorua, with the latest milestone the unveiling of a new monument sign for the community's entrance. The Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau development will deliver 93 mixed tenure homes to local Rotorua whānau through social housing, affordable rentals and shared home ownership arrangements (also known as progressive home ownership). Westpac has provided funding for the project – where 36 affordable rental homes have been completed and a further 30 homes are under construction. Westpac is also providing mortgages to help whānau purchase properties through Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau's shared ownership pathway on leased land. Jason Rogers, Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau Chairman, says the entrance sign's unveiling is a significant event for the iwi with whānau and kaumātua now living in the affordable homes. 'Ultimately this community will comprise 93 new, well designed warm homes on whenua Māori. Our goal has been to bring stability in housing outcomes for our people and the sign is a milestone that will strengthen that sense of connection to the whenua. This is a significant undertaking and the project will deliver much needed housing for our people and the community,' Mr Rogers says. 'Having Westpac on board as a bank partner has meant we've been able to work quickly to begin delivering the next stage of homes and we're grateful for their support. We'd also like to acknowledge the support of the Ministry for Housing and Urban Development and Armillary Private Capital, who acted as financial advisors and undertook the financial modelling for the project.' Reuben Tucker, Westpac NZ General Manager Institutional & Business Banking, says Westpac is pleased to be able to play a role in the development. 'As a bank, we're committed to supporting more New Zealanders to find a place to call home,' Mr Tucker says. 'The range of different housing options available through the Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau development is hugely significant, especially since it is on whenua Māori. We're excited to support the aspirations of everyone involved.' The first stage of the development opened in December last year, when 16 whānau moved into affordable rental properties. Last month local kaumātua moved into 20 affordable rental properties that were set aside specifically for them in the heart of the new community. The full development is scheduled for completion next year. What is shared home ownership? These are arrangements such as shared equity, leasehold or rent to buy in which a third party – usually a Community Housing Provider, including charitable trusts and Iwi Māori groups – contributes equity or land towards a customer's first home purchase, reducing the size of the deposit they need and the size of repayments. In the case of shared equity, the model used at Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau, the customer then pays the provider back their portion of equity at a manageable rate over time until they own the home outright. A key barrier for first home buyers is saving for the traditional 20% deposit to qualify for a home loan. Shared equity and leasehold arrangements can help buyers qualify for lending with as little as 5–10% deposit and a smaller loan to service, bringing home ownership and the benefits it provides closer within reach. At Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau, a shared home ownership model is being used to support whānau with whakapapa (ancestral connection) to the Ōwhata and Rotorua area, helping them establish long-term security in a new home of their own. Westpac is able to provide standard residential home loans to customers participating in shared equity or leasehold arrangements.
Business Wire
06-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Vibrint and Invary Join Forces to Advance Kernel-Level Zero Trust Solutions
ANNAPOLIS JUNCTION, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Vibrint, a leading innovator in defense technology solutions, today announced a strategic partnership with Invary to deliver a breakthrough Zero Trust solution designed specifically for national security and defense environments. Invary is a pioneer in runtime integrity solutions, and its collaboration with Vibrint focuses on embedding Zero Trust principles at the kernel level to defend against zero-day threats and enhance mission system resilience for federal customers. 'Zero trust needs to extend below the operating system to truly defend against today's most advanced threats.' -- Tom Lash, CEO of Vibrint. Share 'Zero trust needs to extend below the operating system to truly defend against today's most advanced threats,' said Tom Lash, CEO of Vibrint. 'Through this collaboration with Invary, we're delivering runtime monitoring at the foundational level of mission systems, ensuring operational integrity and protecting our customers where it matters most.' Built for highly sensitive, multidomain mission environments, the solution integrates Vibrint's secure enterprise architecture with Invary's real-time Kernel Integrity Measurement (KIM) technology. This runtime integrity solution, developed for and proven by a federal national security agency customer and now licensed for broader use, continuously monitors system behavior at the core, ensuring that the OS is uncompromised — a critical advancement where traditional perimeter- and OS-level security models fall short. How It Works Traditional cybersecurity tools assume the underlying OS is trustworthy — a critical vulnerability exploited by sophisticated adversaries. The Vibrint solution with Invary flips this model by continuously verifying system behavior at runtime through real-time kernel monitoring, enabling immediate detection and response to unauthorized changes or malware before they escalate. The integrated solution offers: 'We are redefining the foundation of trust by ensuring that mission systems are not just secured — they are verifiably behaving as intended at all times,' said Jason Rogers, CEO of Invary. 'This is the level of Zero Trust assurance that national security demands.' Get the White Paper Learn more about how Vibrint and Invary are advancing zero trust from the core out by reading Unbreakable Trust: Delivering a Kernel-Level Zero Trust Solution for Mission-Critical Defense Systems. Vibrint helps national security customers Make the Right Call, sustaining mission advantage at the forefront of intelligence gathering and analysis. Our teams of technologists, analysts and mission specialists pursue innovation in high-performance computing, SIGINT research and analysis, software and systems development, and mission resilience. The systems we create and the services we provide enhance our customers' capacity and capability for harvesting and harnessing data, enhancing the quality and speed of mission-critical decisions. Within our Collaboration Lab environment, we leverage our technical expertise to explore future capabilities vital to the U.S. national security mission. Vibrint is based in Annapolis Junction, Maryland. Find us at and @Vibrint on LinkedIn and Instagram. About Invary Invary delivers industry-leading Runtime Integrity solutions that ensure the security and confidentiality of critical systems. Built on NSA-licensed technology, Invary provides comprehensive protection for Linux, Windows, eBPF and Trusted Execution Environments. By continuously verifying runtime integrity, Invary safeguards systems against tampering and advanced threats, enabling Zero Trust Architectures across federal and commercial sectors. For more information, visit
