Partnering for more housing in the Bay of Plenty

Accessible Properties Chief Executive Greg Orchard says it’s a crucial step towards the regeneration of housing in the region.

“We will investigate procurement opportunities and joint development projects together. The need is urgent and this partnership approach is crucial if we are to make a difference.

L to R: Daniel Soughtton and Greg Orchard sign the MOU

“Tauranga is the least affordable main centre for housing in the country and there are around 900 people on the Public Housing Register across Tauranga and the western Bay of Plenty.

“Kāinga Ora has made a significant contribution to the work we have already done in the region, in particular helping investigate the potential to transform our Pukehinahina housing portfolio into a mixed-use area.

“We want to see large land areas used to develop mixed income, mixed tenure housing with a variety of uses and affordability levels.

“Currently Accessible Properties has 1,181 homes in the Bay. The MOU will play an important role in a multi-faceted approach involving local government, iwi and developers designed to increase that number and provide homes for people in need.”

Daniel Soughtton, Kāinga Ora Deputy Chief Executive Te Puku Ikaroa – Central says the partnership will see a range of new homes available for those most in need of housing in the western Bay of Plenty.

“We’re at the early stages of exploring options with Accessible Properties, but both organisations are committed to working with urgency and in partnership with others to redevelop existing properties to bring on a larger number of higher density housing opportunities.

“The resources and expertise which Accessible Properties and Kāinga Ora bring to this partnership and the drive we have to rapidly deliver more homes will ensure more individuals and whānau from the area will be living in modern, warm and dry homes.”