Commercial Residential
Construction of good quality, affordable housing is at the forefront of Fosters’ commercial residential arm.
We work directly with B2B partners, or large-scale residential developers in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty.
Launched in 2024, in response to the shortfall of social housing in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, Foster Residential is a subsidiary of Foster Construction.
We partner with the likes of Kainga Ora, Iwi, Community Housing Providers, retirement village operators and other property developers, to deliver medium to high density housing.
Building sustainably is key for us
Aligned with our purpose of ‘Great communities through strong foundations’, we recognise the growing need for more multi-level projects, such as three-level walk ups and apartment blocks, filling the need for housing, while using our land more wisely.
Converting existing commercial buildings into quality inner city community-based residential living – adding new value to existing assets - provides other exciting opportunities for both communities and developers.
The full property service
Working together, Fosters residential and construction teams offer extensive experience in quality building at scale.
Add in our develop and maintain arms, and we offer the full property service for residential development.
Key people
Douw van der Merwe - GM Residential
Douw offers 30 years of experience across a diverse range of industries and international projects, including industrial, commercial, education, residential, retail, mining, government, remediation, and fitout.
Adaptable, analytical and committed, Douw describes himself as a ‘learner’; someone who enjoys solving challenges, developing and growing. He has an engineering degree and post graduate qualifications in economics, professional management, and leadership.
Douw thrives on being part of high performing teams that engage with and deliver demanding work. In 2014, he moved from the UK to New Zealand and successfully headed up a Hamilton-based residential volume builder for 7 years. In late 2023, he joined Fosters to launch Foster Residential.
“Make it a success” is the Fosters principle that resonates most strongly with Douw. It connects with his perspective that creating value for the wider community is based on good trust-based relationships.
Here’s a systematic thinker with an affinity for good processes, focused on optimising efficient delivery.

Ready to build?
Contact Douw van der Merwe