Naming of social housing complex reflects partnership

5 September 2007

Whakahoa Village has been chosen as the name of the first partnership social housing development between Christchurch City Council and Housing New Zealand.

The name Whakahoa means partnership/friendship and reflects that the new 20-unit complex is what Council hopes will be the first of many such partnerships, says Mayor Garry Moore.

"The complex in Gowerton Place, Richmond, has also been designed to create a village-type atmosphere and strong sense of community for its tenants."

Mr Moore says Whakahoa Village is a significant development in the future provision of social housing in the city.

"Partnerships and working in collaboration with key stakeholders, such as Government, is seen as vital by Council to maintain its current housing stock and to strive to expand the supply of social housing in Christchurch.

He says an ageing population, falling home ownership and continually increasing market rents will significantly contribute to a greater need for future social housing in the city.

Housing New Zealand Regional Manager David Griffiths says Housing New Zealand is proud to be involved in the development of Whakahoa, the name reflecting the value of the partnership and the strong working relationship which exists between the two organisations.

"Whakahoa Village is the most significant and largest joint social housing project Housing New Zealand has been involved in in Christchurch for many years."

Mr Griffiths says the development is an excellent example of what can be achieved when central and local government work together to deliver vital community infrastructure,

The complex is being built on land owned by Council, with both Council and Housing New Zealand contributing up to $2.44 million each to the development.

Christchurch City Council was a pioneer of social housing in New Zealand, building its first units in the early 1920s.

Today, the Council has 2651 units at 116 complexes and is New Zealand’s second largest provider of affordable social housing. Housing New Zealand is the largest provider with 5452 units in Christchurch.

The Council-Housing New Zealand Whakahoa Village development of 16 single-storey and four second-storey units will incorporate energy-efficient heating and double glazing.

It is expected the 20 units will be tenanted by the end of November 2007.

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