Hon Dr Nick Smith
Minister of Housing
4 April 2013
Govt steps up Christchurch housing response
Forty new houses are to be constructed at the Rangers Park subdivision to provide additional temporary accommodation and
help revitalise Christchurch’s eastern suburbs, Minister of Housing Dr Nick Smith announced today.
“This development of 40 new homes will be used to increase the supply of temporary accommodation for families as the
rebuild gains momentum. It will enable people to maintain their work, school and community links in their local area
while their repairs and rebuilds are being carried out.
“The new two, three and four bedroom homes will add to the 83 accommodation units managed by the Canterbury Earthquake
Temporary Accommodation Service (CETAS) already established at Linwood Park, Kaiapoi Domain and Rāwhiti Domain. More
than 300 Canterbury households have already been supported to date through this initiative.
“This development is different to the three existing temporary villages in that they will be new permanent homes that
will be sold once demand for temporary accommodation has lessened. This is about the Government leading by example and
investing in the revitalisation of the eastern suburbs. It will also bring to market, in time, housing in the affordable
range for Christchurch families,” Dr Smith said.
“The new homes are to be built by Hawkins Construction starting this month, and are expected to be completed in
November. The $12.5 million cost is being funded by the Government and will be offset by rent and any future house
sales.
“This Rangers Park initiative is part of the Government’s broader programme of assistance to help with Christchurch’s
housing challenges,” said Dr Smith.
ENDS