An artist's concept - KiwiSaver fund manager Simplicity's construction branch said in February 2025, that it has resource consents to build 264 homes in Morningside as a build-to-rent project. Photo: Supplied/ Simplicity Living
KiwiSaver fund manager Simplicity's building arm is set to begin construction of 264 homes for long-term rent, in Auckland's Morningside, after receiving the necessary resource consents.
Simplicity Living managing director Shane Brealey said at its peak the $175 million project would employ more than 400 people on and off-site.
Construction is expected to start from the middle of this year, with completion by mid-2027.
"Our unique combination of vertically integrated planning, construction, finance, ownership and management allows us to build better, faster and at lower cost," Brealey said.
The development is 150 metres from the Morningside train station, and features a rooftop resident work-from-home space, landscaping with about 1500 native trees and plants in, and a pavilion lounge and cafe for residents.
The development would be built to a minimum Homestar 7 certification standard, with a 150-year design life, Simplicity said. The plans included solar panels, rainwater harvesting, comprehensive car and bike parks with electric charging units, and the goal of minimising construction waste.
"We're on a mission to provide thousands of quality homes across New Zealand, for long-term renting at more affordable prices," Brealey said.
Other Simplicity construction projects
Simplicity Living's 297-home Te Reiputa development in Mount Wellington was on track for completion in May 2026, the firm said, while its 330-home Waiatarua development in Remuera was scheduled to open in January 2027.
Three other developments were already completed, in: Point England, Onehunga and Mount Albert, with a combined 210 homes fully rented.
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