Came one, came all to the Kōkihi Community Open Day on Saturday! Even the sun turned up after an untimely overnight typhoon, illuminating the magnificent tukutuku-styled relief panels of Kōkihi, set in brick and precast concrete, as if the three buildings knew it was their occasion to shine.

But as thoughtful folk know, it’s not only the exterior that counts (inner beauty and all). Visitors seized the opportunity for a look inside Building 3 – cheers to those who took their shoes off! – and a guided tour of G04, G05, the residents’ lounge, and the azure pool beyond. Tapware was tested, cabinetry contemplated, and storage scrutinised by a procession of residents, neighbours and Watervievians, who paused for some coffee and kai by the bike shed after their inspection.

Among them was Ockham helmsman Mark Todd, keen to see how Ockham’s 13th development was received by its community. “It was great to meet our neighbours,” he said. “They’ve keenly followed our progress over the past 16 months. I think they were almost as eager to look inside Kōkihi as we were to show it off.”

Todd was also honoured to run into residents from Ockham’s existing developments who had come to check out the company’s latest build. “I’ve talked to some people from Station R, Daisy and Set who are here recommending Ockham apartments to family and friends,” he said. “Plus others who’ve bought places in our newly launched projects – Aroha, Manaaki, Aalto – and who have come along to see how Kōkihi turned out. It’s always great to meet up and chew the fat with the extended Ockham whānau. I’m so appreciative of their trust in what we are doing.”

City buzz. Urban tranquility

Joss Lewis, Ockham’s head of sales, was delighted with the turnout, especially the Kōkihi residents readying to move in. “There’s a real mood of excitement as owners get a feel for their new home,” she said. “People have told me the quality is even better than what they expected from the renders and plans. We also had several Kōkihi first home buyers show their families through. Seeing the excitement and anticipation on their faces makes everyone smile.”

Much too was made of the building’s impressive soundproofing and insulation. Despite its Great North Road surrounds (ensuring timely motorway access and a speedy connection to the CBD), the high-spec double glazing left those viewing the interior in a veritable awed hush. With the nearby Te Auaunga/Oakley Creek Walkway offering strolls past a not-so-secret-anymore waterfall, the new residents of Kōkihi will find themselves amid that sweetest of spots; urban tranquility.

And for one lucky punter, a chance to live at Kōkihi is still on the cards. All 95 apartments in the development sold well before the project’s completion – 47 through KiwiBuild and 48 on the open market – but a happy change in circumstance has led to G05 being back up for grabs. With its north-facing corner, sun-drenched living area and proximity to the pool, G05 is much coveted and will auctioned later this month.