North Canterbury public housing supply set to grow

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Kāinga Ora is redeveloping some of its properties in Kaiapoi and Rangiora to meet a growing demand for social housing in the Waimakariri district.

A recent report prepared for the Waimakariri and Hurunui District Councils highlighted a lack of adequate emergency and transitional housing and the difficulties of getting on Kāinga Ora’s waiting list.

Kāinga Ora Canterbury regional director Liz Krause said increasing the number of homes on sites in Kaiapoi and Rangiora meant more people could stay in their local area, close to transport options, schools, shops and other amenities.

‘‘When planning for new homes to be built, we carefully consider the designs so they work well and provide the best outcomes for the people and whānau who will live there, as well as the wider community.’’

Since the Canterbury earthquakes in 2010 and 2011, Kāinga Ora has built 73 new homes in the Waimakariri district.

New projects were under way Kaiapoi and Rangiora to meet the growing demand.

Two large sites in Princess Place and Williams St in Kaiapoi were being redeveloped, with seven large, older houses being replaced with 21 warm and dry homes.

The redevelopment of five sites in Church, Lindon and Tyler streets in Rangiora will lead to another 22 new homes built.

‘‘The brand new homes will replace older homes and be far better suited to the modern lifestyles of our customers,’’ Krause said.

‘‘All of these new homes will come with their own off-street parking and 15 will meet full universal design standards, meaning they can be adapted to be accessible for people of all abilities, at any stage of life.’’

Demolition of the existing buildings, site preparations and construction have begun for some properties, while the majority of the homes are expected to be completed by the third quarter of next year.

‘‘As we progress these redevelopments, we will keep neighbours, the local community and key stakeholders informed with updates on progress,’’ Krause said.

‘‘We’re really looking forward to construction starting and delivering these brand new homes to the Waimakariri community.’’

■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.