New Kāinga Ora housing complex offers unique solar technology

Construction of the new three-storey public housing complex on Riccarton Road began in June 2022 and took a year to complete.

Liz Krause, Regional Director Canterbury, says customers living in the new one-bedroom units will benefit from the Allume SolShare unit system. This type of solar technology is being used in New Zealand for the first time and takes electricity generated by solar panels on the complex’s roof, sharing it equally among everyone living in the complex.

“This technology monitors when a resident is using energy and will direct solar power to their unit to reduce electricity bills as much as possible,” she says.

“This can increase the amount of solar used in the building by up to 50%, meaning there’s less reliance on expensive grid power, and higher savings for residents. We’re expecting this system to reduce customers’ power bills by around $350-$400 per year.”

The new 20-unit public housing complex on Riccarton Road in Christchurch.

The complex also includes a heat recovery system, which will help to reduce heatpump costs in each unit, and has an 8-Homestar rating, which means it has been built to be warmer, healthier and more energy efficient.

Liz says this development will also provide a boost to accessible housing stock in Christchurch. It is the first high-density Full Universal Design complex Kāinga Ora has built in the city. This means the units are more accessible, with features such as wider doors and level entryways, and can be made more accessible in the future if needed.

Five of the new units on Riccarton Road also have another room for a carer, and two have additional accessibility features such as a larger wet area shower and a lowered bench in the kitchen. All the units are serviced by a lift.

Residents will also enjoy living in a well-connected area of the city, Liz says. “We’re aiming to provide more homes for people in need in areas such as Riccarton that are close to transport routes, shops and other amenities.  By building up, more people can enjoy living in a prime location that connects easily to all the services they may need,” she says.

Greta Bond, Age Concern Canterbury Chief Executive, says the complex is a “game changer” for Christchurch people on low incomes who need accessible housing.

“We often find that people need accessible housing but don’t necessarily need to be in residential care. It’s beautifully designed, warm, very accessible, high-quality housing in a great location….it’s just delightful,” she says.