The mayor of Christchurch has called on the central government to guarantee funding for local community projects in order to increase the number of houses. This comes after the unveiling of a mixed housing project by the Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust (ŌCHT) and Ngāi Tūāhuriri in the suburb of Somerfield.
The project, which includes affordable rentals, community houses, and homes for gradual ownership, has been built like a small neighborhood around a green space. It includes 40 homes, 10 of which are reserved for Ngāi Tūāhuriri families.
According to ŌCHT’s CEO, Cate Kearney, there are currently 2000 people in need of housing in Christchurch. The new development replaces 32 single social housing units from the 1940s with 104 bedrooms. However, Kearney highlighted that funding inconsistencies and supply chain shortages are challenges for such projects.
Ngāi Tūāhuriri’s economic development arm, Paenga Kupenga, is keen to continue the partnership with ŌCHT and build more houses. Barry Bragg, the chair of Paenga Kupenga, emphasized the community’s ability to take responsibility in partnership with iwi to build more houses.
Christchurch City Council has five more areas of vacant land that it wants to develop with ŌCHT. Mayor Phil Mauger appealed to the government for funding, stating that they can build houses at nearly half the cost per square meter as Kāinga Ora, a government agency.
Housing Minister Chris Bishop stated that the central government has big plans for social housing. He mentioned that money has been re-allocated from first home grants to new social housing places in the 2024 budget. Bishop believes projects like the one in Carey Street represent the future of community and affordable housing.
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