City Housing Asset Management Plan lauded by NZ Property Institute

29 July 2003

The quality of planning and management for Christchurch City Council’s social housing portfolio has been recognised by the New Zealand Property Institute with the award to two Council property asset planners of the Innovation in Property Award.

Rob Hawthorne and Callum Logan won the award for the extent of lifecycle analysis undertaken and the integration of macro and micro economic tools into a decision-making mechanism.

Councillor Carole Anderton, chair of the Council’s Housing Subcommittee, says the award is significant because it represents the CCC's achievement of one of its policy statements, that is to meet and exceed New Zealand best practice in relation to asset management. “One of the primary objectives of the asset management plan was to be sustainable for Council -- now and for the future -- and affordable for tenants.

That this recognition comes from an independent professional body is all the more rewarding. The New Zealand Property Institute combines professional property practitioners such as valuers, property consultants, property managers and land economists.

“ Christchurch City Housing is a real asset for this city. Today, with around 2650 units, it’s second only to Housing NZ in terms of size but it isn’t a drain on ratepayers because it’s self-supporting,” Cr Anderton says. “Since the 1920s it’s been providing affordable rental accommodation for people who have a genuine need.”

The asset management plan adopted by the Council in April is an evolving plan that not only manages the existing asset and service but also focuses on future social housing needs so that the Council is well positioned to meet these challenges in both a socially and financially responsible manner.

• City Housing’s Vision is to “contribute to the community’s social well-being by ensuring safe, accessible and affordable housing is available to people on low incomes, including elderly persons and people with disabilities”.
• More information about Christchurch City Housing can be found on the web, at www.ccc.govt.nz/cityHousing/

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