Media Release
07 March 2007

Manukau City Council finalises funding agreement with Housing New Zealand

Manukau City Council has entered into a partnership with Housing New Zealand Corporation to upgrade its 515 Housing for the Elderly units.

Manukau Mayor Sir Barry Curtis and Chief Executive Officer Leigh Auton have signed the documents securing a $1.5 million suspensory loan from the Government's Housing Innovation (Local Government) fund.

Sir Barry says, “I wish to acknowledge the generosity of the Government for this financial contribution which will help us to upgrade our housing for elderly citizens.

"I have seen some of the newly upgraded units at Leabank Court and they’re a big improvement, and provide a very pleasant home environment for our residents”.

Housing Minister Chris Carter says the loan demonstrates the Labour-Progressive Government's determination to improve the availability of good quality affordable housing in New Zealand.

"We believe that everyone deserves access to decent housing, and we are not afraid to step up and help local communities achieve this goal."

Manukau City Chief Executive Leigh Auton says, “This initiative reflects a close working partnership between the council and Housing New Zealand which benefits our citizens and ratepayers.”

The loan is interest free and will be waived at the end of twenty years provided council still owns the Housing for the Elderly sites used as security for the loan.

ENDS

Background Information:

Manukau City Council owns and maintains 515 Housing for the Elderly Units at 17 complexes or “courts” across the city. The units are rented out at a nominal rent to elderly Manukau residents in need of affordable housing.

Most of council’s Housing for the Elderly homes were built in the 1960s or ‘70s but are not up to today’s standards and improvements are necessary. As part of the Annual Plan process, council has allocated funds to refurbish and redevelop the courts, demonstrating its long-term commitment to its Housing for the Elderly service and residents.

Stage one of the six year programme of work to upgrade all council-owned Housing for the Elderly homes across Manukau began in October last year with the refurbishment of units at Leabank Court in Manurewa. Elements of the refurbishment include: improved access for residents with limited mobility plus upgraded kitchens, bathrooms, storage facilities and new carpets.

Stage two is the complete redevelopment of Tadmor Village and the older half of Otara Court. This work is scheduled to start in 2008 and be completed by 2010. This will provide more Housing for the Elderly units in the city.

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