Truck and trailer rigs lined Ford Street as soil contaminated with small quantities of asbestos was removed from the Kāinga Ora housing construction site at 52-54 Ford Street, Ōpōtiki, last week.

Several rigs carried tonnes of topsoil to a toxic waste landfill in Auckland after residues of asbestos were detected in quantities exceeding human health-based guidelines (0.001 percent), at three investigation points located across the land.

The public was kept clear; the soil dampened with hoses before being scooped up by a digger and loaded onto the waiting trucks.  

Workmen closer than eight metres to the soil wore protective clothing and masks.

Initially, 21 homes had been planned for the site in partnership with Ōpōtiki District Council, focusing on two to five-bedroom family homes.

Then in August, Kāinga Ora announced that following a national review, construction of 80 houses in the Eastern Bay would be cut.

The Ford Street development was spared, and completion is targeted for mid-2026, though that could be extended.

The aim is to provide family-sized housing to meet the strong demand in the Ōpōtiki district.

Kāinga Ora’s regional director for the Bay of Plenty, Mark Rawson, said construction of 12 warm, dry homes was scheduled to begin in the new year.

“Site works are already under way, and a small amount of asbestos removal was required. This removal is now complete.

“The homes are expected to be finished by mid-to-late 2026 and will provide housing for whānau in need from the Ministry of Social Development’s Housing Register.

The development will include three two-bedroom homes, eight three-bedroom homes, and one five-bedroom home,” Mr Rawson said.