A section of prime Wellington real estate is to be used by local Maori to build affordable housing for whanau.
The land on Evans Bay Parade, which joins up with Oriental Parade, is owned by descendants of Te Aro Pa.
Its trustee, Te Tumu Paeroa, manages the site and developed the idea.
The head of the trust said 13 two-storey, three-bedroom apartments will be built and incorporate design features that reflect its papakainga nature.
Jamie Tuuta said the apartments will used to house families needing low-cost accommodation. He said the development will show how urban Maori land can be used to maximum effect.
Mr Tuuta said the project is one of the first urban public kainga in the country.