Trey Ryder – Te Atihaunui a Pāpārangi, Ngāpuhi

Trey Ryder is not just building homes—he’s building a movement.  As the Director of Niwa Projects, a Wellington-based construction company, Trey is on a mission to revolutionise the way we think about housing in Aotearoa.

Rooted in kaupapa Māori and driven by a deep sense of kaitiakitanga, Trey’s vision is clear: create sustainable, energy-efficient homes that uplift whānau and protect Papatūānuku.

Niwa Projects specialises in Passive House and Homestar-certified builds, setting a new standard for comfort, efficiency, and durability.

But this isn’t just about bricks and mortar.  It’s about manaakitanga—ensuring every home is a haven—and whanaungatanga—working alongside iwi to deliver housing solutions that reflect their values and aspirations.

Niwa Projects is more than a construction company.  It’s a full-service powerhouse offering:

  • 🏡 Passive House & Homestar Construction
  • 🧱 Facade & Cladding Installation – Preferred installers for Nu-Wall and Pro Clima
  • 🏗️ Off-Site Manufacturing (OSM) – Prefabricated panels for faster, smarter builds
  • 🧠 Project Feasibility & Design Collaboration
  • 🔨 Carpentry & Civil Works – From foundations to retaining walls

Trey says, “Being based in Wellington has been a game-changer.  The capital’s vibrant network of Passive House experts and sustainability champions has helped us grow our expertise and push the boundaries of what’s possible in construction.”

“With support from Poutama, Niwa Projects is scaling up—investing in tools, technology, and training to expand its prefabrication capabilities and streamline operations.  The funding is helping turn bold ideas into tangible outcomes for whānau across the motu.”

For Trey and his team, being Māori isn’t just part of the story—it’s the foundation.  Niwa Projects is committed to:

  • Partnering with iwi to deliver high-quality, sustainable housing
  • Educating iwi leaders on energy-efficient building practices
  • Embedding tikanga Māori into every project

What’s Next?

Niwa Projects is leading the charge toward Off-Site Manufacturing (OSM) integration, making Passive House principles more accessible and affordable.  With trusted industry partnerships and a relentless drive for better building standards, the future is looking bright—and beautifully built.

For more information check out their website here.