The Story of the first Tākaka Cohousing Neighbourhood
Nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of Golden Bay, New Zealand, the Tākaka Cohousing Neighborhood is an example of community, sustainability, and shared vision. Its story is one of collaboration, perseverance, and the transformative potential of cohousing.
Seeding the Vision: In 2019, a few like-minded individuals in Golden Bay shared a common dream – to create a community where people could live harmoniously with each other and the natural world. Inspired by the principles of cohousing, they envisioned a neighbourhood where residents could enjoy the benefits of shared resources, mutual support, and meaningful social connections.
Cultivating Collaboration: The vision for the Tākaka Cohousing Neighbourhood began to take shape as the founding members came together to explore possibilities and lay the groundwork for their community. Meetings, workshops, and brainstorming sessions fueled discussions about shared values, design preferences, and organisational structures. Through consensus-based decision-making and a spirit of open communication, the group forged a strong sense of unity and purpose.
Building the Community: In 2020, after a year of planning and preparation, the Tākaka Cohousing Neighbourhood took a significant step forward with the purchase of 14.5 ha of land in the heart of Golden Bay. With a site secured, the founders could seek members to join the first neighbourhood of 34 homes and go on the exciting journey of designing and constructing their community from the ground up. Architects, designers, and builders were enlisted to bring their vision to life, incorporating sustainable design features, energy-efficient technologies, and shared amenities.
Navigating Challenges: The path to realising the first neighbourhood was not without its challenges. Securing suitable land, navigating council consent requirements, and financing the development presented significant hurdles along the way. However, the resilience and determination of the founding members proved to be a driving force, as they remained committed to the vision despite setbacks and obstacles. It was also critical to have the trust and confidence of the residents who supported the vision from the beginning and provided loans to the company to keep moving forward.
Celebrating Completion: In 2023, the first neighbourhood reached a major milestone with the completion of its first phase of development. A diverse mix of homes, ranging from compact 2 bedroom homes to spacious 3 bedroom family dwellings, now graces the landscape, surrounded by lush gardens, communal green spaces, and shared facilities. Residents began to move in, eager to embrace the joys of community living and forge new connections with their neighbours.
Thriving Together: Today in 2024, the first neighbourhood of 34 homes and a natural timber frame common house stands as a vibrant and thriving community, where residents come together to celebrate life, share resources, and support each other in times of need. Shared meals, garden working bees, and cultural events foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie, while collaborative decision-making processes ensure that everyone has a voice in shaping the future of their community.
Future phases: While the first neighbourhood settles into their homes Mōhua Ventures continue to move forward with the next phases of development. This includes selling some sections of land or house and land packages, building a smaller second cohousing community and eventually a third. It also involves collaborating with the trust (Te Hapori Hauora) to regenerate the surrounding land, mana whenua to build a peaceful garden space and the wider community for new ideas and projects.
The story of the Tākaka Cohousing Neighbourhood is a testament to the transformative power of community and the fulfilment that comes from living in harmony with others and the environment. Through collaboration, perseverance, and a shared commitment to their vision, the residents of the first Takaka Cohousing Neighbourhood have created a haven of connection, sustainability, and well-being in the heart of Golden Bay.
