For immediate release: 13 February 2008
Community Housing Aotearoa Inc. welcomes the government's action plan
Community Housing Aotearoa Incorporated (CHAI) welcomes the government's announcement to develop a larger not-for-profit
housing sector as one of the solutions to increasing the supply of affordable housing. CHAI sees the Government's action
plan as a positive way forward to addressing the supply of affordable housing and helping families into home ownership.
Released yesterday the government's plan is to establish new Urban Development Authorities (UDA) that will develop large
scale urban housing projects. These authorities overseas have proved commercially viable and have delivered sustainable
housing developments, providing a full range of housing options. The Hobsonville development is a strong example of what
can be achieved when government bodies and other agencies work together to meet local housing needs. Community Housing
Aotearoa director Thérèse Quinlivan welcomes the moves towards a stronger not-for-profit sector. Not only would she like
to see more details of how the plan will be implemented but also how much investment will be there to support it.
Community Housing Aotearoa is encouraged by the long term vision of this plan as it will both expand the not-for-profit
sector and provide a source of affordable housing and other home ownership schemes. However CHAI also wants to see
greater investment in community based housing, ensuring all types of housing needs are met. To ensure that the plan is
delivered effectively Community Housing Aotearoa would encourage that a consultation process is developed to enable
Housing New Zealand, the community housing sector, territorial councils and private developers to work together in equal
partnerships.
In a climate of economic uncertainty and rising housing costs, Community Housing Aotearoa welcomes the action plan as a
positive approach to a long term goal of providing a supply of affordable housing. Community Housing Aotearoa represents
the interests of community housing organisations throughout New Zealand and it currently has over 150 member groups.
ENDS