Working together on social housing

Comments at the first meeting of the Palmerston North City Council Housing Forum Working Party. Palmerston North Convention Centre.

Introduction

Thank you for the invitation to speak with talk with you today. I’m delighted to be here.

I don’t think I need to tell you how important housing is to us all – both as individuals and as a society. Not only does it meet our basic needs for shelter and security, it also has far reaching implications for our social and economic well-being.

Affordable, good quality housing has a major role in creating healthy, strong and cohesive communities.

We all know the housing market is changing. Home ownership has declined, the demand for social housing has never been higher and housing affordability has declined with low-income households being hit hard as house prices and rental costs rise.

Working together on social housing

Meeting social housing need is a shared issue. It’s something we need to provide together through Government, councils, Iwi, Maori and community groups working together.

The Housing Innovation and Local Government funds are two ways the Government can support other housing providers to explore new ideas and initiatives so together we can grow the capacity of councils and community groups to meet the social housing needs of their local communities.

Late last year Housing New Zealand Corporation presented 11 workshops throughout the country on the fund. The purpose of the workshops was to inform councils and community based organisations about the initiative.

About 130 community based organised and representatives from 25 local authorities attended the workshops. To date about 25 councils have expressed an interest in the Fund – ranging from general enquiries to specific proposals. At this stage we have proposals from three councils.

A number of councils, including Palmerston North City Council, have shown a positive approach to working with community based organisations to discuss a joint housing approach. I’m pleased to see that the Palmerston North City Council has already established a Working Party dedicated to looking at ways to increase access to affordable housing for low to modest income earners. It’s good to see such a wide representation on your working party with councillors, community representatives and iwi.

Housing need in Palmerston North

I’m aware that you have already done a lot of research to determine housing need within your community, including surveying residents and community groups. Proposals must provide a solution to meet an identified housing need. Through surveying residents and community groups you are helping identify the need as well as gaining the support and involvement of your communities.

You are to be commended for this partnership approach. You’ve realised that it’s in the best interests of your community to pool your resources and work together to present a united front, rather than have numerous groups from within Palmerston North competing for the limited funding available.

A combined approach such as this ultimately benefits you all. Evidence of strong community support and involvement is crucial if a proposal is to be approved.

You have also already been in discussions with Housing New Zealand Corporation – its great to see you’ve been involving Peter McKenna the Regional Manager, as well the Corporation’s partnerships team.

They will work with you to help you achieve the best outcomes.

Partnerships are essential

Obviously we won’t be able to approve all applications for funding – the funding is currently limited.

The priorities for funding were a key question raised at the workshops. Many areas were concerned that Auckland would get most of the funding. This is not necessarily the case. As we mentioned at the time, priority will be given to proposals that meet an identifiable housing need and demonstrate a council’s long term commitment to maintain social housing.

Ultimately the goal is to expand social housing options, to set affordable rents and provide housing of an acceptable standard.

I’m aware the Council currently has about 90 units for public rental and 311 units for people aged over 60 and people with disabilities. To be eligible for funding, the Council must show a commitment to sustain the housing in the long term and expand the social housing options available in the area.

The Local Government Fund provides options to support this approach whether you want to acquire more stock and modernise or reconfigure existing stock.

I encourage you to think outside the square and be innovative in finding new ways to develop social housing initiatives within your community and with other community-based organisations.

Good luck with your project.