State housewaiting list passes 1200

More than 1200 people in the central region are on the waiting list for state housing.

The Government has housed 24 people in Horowhenua, Manawatu¯, Palmerston North, Tararua and Whanganui from June 30 until September 30, but the waiting list has increased by 234 people.

Homes for People founder and transitional housing team leader Cheri Birch said it had 60 transitional housing places, where people were placed when they had nowhere to go and while they applied for long-term housing or state housing.

The social enterprise leases two motels and works with another to house people in Palmerston North.

She said many of the people would struggle to get into private rentals. The problem was getting worse.

‘‘You can see it in the length of the public housing list.

‘‘I think transitional housing will be around for a while.’’

Transitional housing is offered to people on a 12-week contract, which can be extended.

People can stay for weeks, months or years, depending on their situation.

‘‘For some people motel-style housing can work well for them, but for others it’s a stressful environment.’’

Birch said she received calls every day about people in need of housing.

During Covid-19 lockdown the social enterprise added 30 places, which were filled quickly and easily.

She said there was no incentive for anyone to build affordable houses and prices kept rising.

Developers weighed up the costs and decided to build bigger housing to maximise their return on the investment.

‘‘It’s going to take a long time to come out of this.’’

Homes for People was building affordable, medium-density housing that could be bought by firsthome buyers, people downsizing or single people who only needed a one or two-bedroom house.

It is about to finish building house No 18 and has about 40 in its schedule.

Palmerston North MP Tangi Utikere said the tranche of state houses built in Palmerston North in 2017 were the first built in the city in 25 years.

Utikere said the Government had demolished 30 homes in Palmerston North, in Clyde Cres, Vogel St and Rangiora Ave, to make way for more, smaller homes.

One of Labour’s focuses was reform of the Resource Management Act, which would happen ‘‘sooner rather than later’’ and make building easier.