Te Ara is a modernisation of Emerge Aotearoa’s existing property portfolio with the demolition of the existing 1950’s flats and replacement with 18 purpose built one-bedroom units.

The name Te Ara was gifted by Tainui and came from turning the waka upside down and having the keel representing the ridgepole of a house.

Inspired by the rich cultural context of Ōtāhuhu, where "ō" signifies 'place of,' and "tāhuhu" alludes to the 'ridgepole of a house.' This buildings form was influenced by the Tainui canoe journey from the Tāmaki River to the western seaboard, crossing a low ridge likened to the ridgepole of a house.

Each of the one-bedroom units are 50m2. Four units on the ground floor are designed to be accessible for disabled individuals, enabling residents to live independently and securely regardless of physical capability.

Acting as client-side project manager and Engineer to Contract, PJM provided project management and contract administration services during the design, procurement, and construction phases of the project.