MEDIA RELEASE 23 November 2006
Ground-breaking social housing development
Tomorrow (Friday, 24 November) is a historic day in the development of social housing in Christchurch.
Christchurch Mayor Garry Moore and Housing Minister Chris Carter will turn the first soil at the 20-unit Gowerton Place
development, the first partnership social housing development between the Council and Housing New Zealand.
The predominately single-level units will be built on land owned by Council, each organisation having agreed to
contribute up to $2.44 million.
Christchurch Mayor Garry Moore said this was a significant development in the future provision of social housing in the
city.
“The Council’s Draft Social Housing Policy, on which the community is currently being consulted, places a strong
emphasis on developing partnerships and working in collaboration with key stakeholders, such as Government, to develop
social housing.
“These partners have been identified as the Government and its agencies, Non-Government Organisations, not-for-profit
groups, charitable trusts and the private sector, such as churches and other social service agencies.”
He said an ageing population, falling home ownership and continually increasing market rents are expected to
significantly contribute to a greater need for social housing in the city.
Mr Moore said through partnerships the Council will focus on at least maintaining its current housing stock, and where
possible expanding the supply of social housing in Christchurch.
Christchurch City Council was a pioneer of social housing in New Zealand, building its first units in the early 1920s.
Today, the Council has 2651 units at 119 complexes and is New Zealand’s second largest provider of affordable social
housing. The Housing New Zealand Corporation is the largest provider with 5452 units in Christchurch.
The Council-Housing New Zealand Gowerton Place development of 18 single-storey and two second storey units will
incorporate energy-efficient heating and double glazing.
It is expected the 20 units will be fully tenanted by the end of October 2007.
ENDS