Nelson’s affordable housing solution

Nelson’s affordable housing solution By Rosie Duff

According to realestate. co.nz, only 12,932 homes were available for purchase in New Zealand at the end of December last year.

Currently, Nelson is one of the areas facing the brunt of New Zealand’s housing shortage, with available stock plummeting by 50 percent over the past 12 months. In response to the urgent demand for more affordable housing in the area, a $12 million dollar fund was established in November 2020, following the Nelson City Council’s sale of its pensioner housing to Kainga Ora. Among the midst of public frustration about its slow progress, ‘phase one’ of the Council’s Housing Reserve proposal was initiated earlier this month, with $2 million in grant funding towards organisations able to increase the supply of inexpensive units officially announced on Tuesday October 5. Representatives from Habitat for Humanity Nelson and the Nelson Tasman Housing Trust publicly commented acknowledging the substantial effect the funding will have in enabling them to initiate affordable housing projects in the near future for low-income earners or families who are not eligible for Government housing. Similarly, Nelson Mayor Rachel Reese says the grants will permit the city to assist those whose lives are negatively impacted by the housing shortage. “Our community needs affordable housing now, and as housing costs continue to rise, we must act quickly. “People who are our friends and neighbours are struggling to access a fundamental human right, secure and safe housing. “We want to support projects that will provide safe, well-designed homes that keep people connected to their communities,” the mayor explains. Deputy Mayor Judene Edgar, reveals she is looking forward to seeing proposals for housing that prop up individuals in the “middle” on moderately stable incomes who struggle to find warm, secure housing. “Every day, there is another article about the housing crisis. Every day, people are forced to shift because they lack secure, affordable housing. Every day, people are getting sick due to poor quality housing. “The housing crisis leaves none of us untouched and we can only address it by working together. “The housing reserve is a game-changer for Nelson, and by releasing $2m now, we can help much-needed projects get off the ground in the short term, while working to ensure the remainder of the fund can make a lasting contribution to housing in Nelson. “We frequently talk about housing like it’s just a building, but what we are really talking about is a home; a safe haven, a sanctuary, a stable foundation. A place for children to be raised, older couples to enjoy their twilight years, and newlyweds to establish themselves; for laughter, love and memories. “So today, we have taken an important step to help create a secure, safe, stable new start for people by supporting homes,” the deputy Mayor concludes. Applicants are required to display a level of co-investment from other sources or partners in conjunction with the amount of Housing Reserve grant money requested. Submissions will be chosen dependant on how well they meet the council’s criteria, and the applicant’s track record. Specifically, candidates must pledge to commencing construction within 12 months, however due to Covid 19 and other potential ongoing factors, a delay of up to two years will be acceptable before having to be returned to the council. Plans should also be in keeping with environmentally-friendly and low-maintenance design. Applications to phase one of the Housing Reserve grants programme will remain open for four weeks, from 7 October 2021 to 3 November 2021, with those applications then being taken to a full council meeting on December 9. CT

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