Council and Housing New Zealand Corporation's new partnership project progressing well

15 September 2004

Christchurch City Council is continuing to work with Housing New Zealand Corporation to access funding through the Government's Housing Innovation Fund.

The Council wants to build at least 24 units, for tenants on low incomes, on Council-owned land at Gowerton Place.  Rob Dally, the Council's Facility Assets Manager, said that the choice of location was informed by recent research the Council has undertaken regarding the future demand for Council housing in Christchurch, as well as availability of land in areas where future demand is forecast.

The Council has been in discussion with the Corporation since April.  Paula Comerford, General Manager Housing Partnerships for Housing New Zealand Corporation, says discussions are progressing well.

"So far, Housing New Zealand Corporation is happy with progress on this partnership.  Once the Council has finalised the design and overall project feasibility, the Corporation will have all the information it needs to make a final decision ", says Comerford.

If the project is approved by Housing New Zealand Corporation, the council will only have to fund $1.7 million - 50% of the total capital costs - as the remainder would be funded through the Housing Innovation Fund. The Council contribution would come from its Housing Development Fund (which does not include money from rates.

Background

Christchurch City Council provides affordable housing to over 3000 people on low incomes, including elderly persons and people with disabilities. The Council has built up its housing portfolio to include more than 2600 rental units; it is second in size only to Housing New Zealand Corporation's.

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