Developments with thoughtful design, style, and more green space are exactly the kinds of development Auckland needs more of.
There’s no shortage of townhouse developments across Auckland. Some are good, some…less so.
The truth is, it’s not just what gets built that matters—but how.
The best projects are the ones that are still going to look good a decade from now — and the ones which give people a sense of pride and community.
We’ve known Ryan Matthews and the Tuakiri team for a while, as we fund (or arrange funding) on most of their projects. They do what they say they’ll do, and build with care.
And their latest project — at 26 Kopuru Road in Whenuapai — is an exciting example of what thoughtful design looks like in practice.
Building for the long game
When we conducted our Better Builds for Buyers research earlier this year, the message from homeowners was clear: they wanted more green space, smarter design, and homes that work for everyday life.
With Kopuru, Tuakiri have taken that brief seriously.
They’ve worked with Auckland Council’s planning team to turn what was meant to be another road into a shared park space for people instead of traffic.
Because after all—in Ryan’s words—“What’s the point of another road when you can give people a park instead?”
That single design choice changes the whole feel of the place.
The homes use brick and other timeless materials, so they’ll age well.
They also include practical touches that renders and brochures don’t do justice to — thermally efficient glass, multiple heat pumps, and even digital switchboards that help reduce energy use.
It’s not about being fancy. It’s about functionality and durability — qualities every development should aim for.
Why buying off-plan can make sense
Buying off-plan isn’t for everyone, but it can make a lot of sense when the fundamentals are right. You get more time to save, flexibility, and often better design and specification than what hits the market later.
The key is who’s behind the project. You want developers who plan properly, build what they promise, and have the governance to deliver.
When you find that combination — good design, strong fundamentals, and follow-through—it’s worth a closer look.
Kopuru happens to tick those boxes.
Early access for Squirrel clients.
Tuakiri is giving Squirrel clients early access to Kopuru before it goes to market, along with a $10,000 cashback on any home purchased during that period.
That $10k is in addition to whatever we get you from the bank, and with some lenders, it can count towards the deposit.
Prices range from around $750k through to the mid-$900k bracket.
If you’re open to buying off-plan, projects like this, which combine innovative design with long-term thinking—are worth considering.