Kāinga Ora Allocates $146 Million for 394 New and Retrofitted State Houses in Northland

Kāinga Ora, New Zealand's government housing agency, has earmarked a substantial $146 million budget for constructing 394 new and retrofitted state houses in the Northland region during the 2024-25 financial year. This allocation, which surpasses the Whangārei District Council's capital expenditure for the same period by 25%, aims to address the pressing housing needs of over 1,200 waiting whānau (families) in Northland.

The agency's focus is on building new homes in close proximity to employment opportunities and essential services in central Whangārei, Ruakākā, Kaitāia, Kāeo, Kaikohe, Kerikeri, and Dargaville. As part of this initiative, old state houses will be replaced with three new homes on the same site, maximizing land use and increasing housing supply.

As of February 2024, Kāinga Ora has 141 new homes under construction, with an additional 253 in the approval phase, all expected to be completed by the end of the year. The agency is also making progress on a social housing development at Tiaki Rise in Tikipunga, where the first phase of 12 homes was completed in December 2023. The second phase, comprising another 12 homes, is set to be finished in the coming weeks.

Why this matters: The significant investment by Kāinga Ora in Northland's state housing reflects the government's dedication to tackling the region's housing crisis. The allocation of funds and the construction of new homes will provide much-needed relief for the hundreds of families currently on the waiting list, improving their living conditions and access to essential services.

Kāinga Ora's Northland Regional Director, Jeff Murray, emphasized the agency's dedication to meeting the housing needs of the community, stating, "We are committed to providing warm, dry, and safe homes for whānau in need. This budget allocation and the ongoing construction projects demonstrate our determination to make a positive difference in the lives of Northland residents."

Key Takeaways

• Kāinga Ora allocates $146M to build 394 new/retrofitted state homes in Northland.
• New homes to be built near jobs and services in central Whangārei, Ruakākā, and other areas.
• 141 new homes under construction, 253 in approval phase, to be completed by 2024.
• Tiaki Rise development in Tikipunga: 12 homes completed, 12 more to be finished soon.
• Significant investment aims to address housing crisis and provide relief for 1,200+ waiting families.