23/09/2026
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𝐓𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐤𝐨 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Building for Whānau
Helping bring Te Koha a Raukawa to life was something Jason and Lee Hepi were proud to be part of. With strong connections to Raukawa and the South Waikato community, the kaupapa was one that hit close to home.
For Jason and Lee, seeing Te Koha a Raukawa take shape was especially rewarding. Tautoko Construction completed the carpentry on five of the new kāinga, helping bring more homes to life for whānau.
After spending more than 20 years building homes in Australia, Jason and Lee returned to Aotearoa in 2014 to assist with the Christchurch earthquake rebuild.
In 2016, they settled in Tokoroa, giving Jason, who is of Raukawa, Tūwharetoa and Maniapoto descent, the chance to reconnect with his whenua and whānau.
Lee, who is of Waikato, Te Rarawa and Te Aupōuri descent, completed her Social Work degree, undertook her placement at Raukawa and later worked in the Whakapakari ai Ngā Rangatahi space.
In 2018, the couple established Tautoko Construction. Based in Tokoroa, the business specialises in residential construction, design, renovations, decks and cabins. Today, the team includes six people, made up of two apprentices, three qualified tradesmen and management.
Giving back locally has always been important to Jason and Lee. Through their partnership with Toi Ohomai, they provide carpentry students with hands-on experience, helping local rangatahi gain practical skills and confidence as they begin their careers in the building industry.
Their commitment to the community doesn't stop there. Jason and Lee also established the Tautoko Boxing Academy, where they run programmes for tamariki, rangatahi, wāhine and tāne, alongside a whānau support hub. It's another way they give back to the local community.
For Jason and Lee, working on Te Koha carried real significance.
"We are proud to be able to work on this project as the kaupapa is very close to our hearts," they said. "Our logo symbolises a pathway for whānau to become homeowners, and we love that Raukawa has created these opportunities."
Jason and Lee believe what sets Te Koha apart is the support that sits behind it.
"We commend Raukawa for the mahi they have done to not only provide the opportunity, but to support whānau with their home ownership programme and financial literacy. “It shows they genuinely care about the wellbeing of whānau."
Like any build, there were challenges along the way. With a relatively new team, meeting the project's tight timeframes meant investing extra time in mentoring apprentices and bringing another experienced carpenter on board.
Looking back, Jason and Lee say the experience helped their team grow in confidence and capability.
Today, with mokopuna in the South Waikato, Jason and Lee remain committed to supporting the place they call home. As whānau begin the next chapter in their new homes, they hope each one is filled with security, safety, whanaungatanga and whānau ora.
Inspired by Jason and Lee's story? To find out more about Tautoko Construction or discuss your next project, get in touch using the details below.
[email protected]
022 477 7624
https://www.tautokodevelopments.com/
Want to know how you can access a new whare at Te Koha, then contact Stevie Ave on [email protected]
