Homes at odds with growth
Marlborough had more than 3000 empty homes on Census night last year, while the number of new dwellings pales in comparison to the region’s growing population.
Early census results recorded 22,149 dwellings in Marlborough but only 18,192 houses were occupied on Census night in March last year.
A Statistics New Zealand spokesman said it was too early to say what the nature of the empty dwellings were but that it likely included both untenanted homes and holiday homes.
Marlborough Housing Group member Vance Kerslake said he noticed the number of private dwellings had gone up by 249 since 2013 but the population of Marlborough had increased by nearly 4000 people to 47,340.
‘‘The number of new dwellings is a lot lower than the increase in population. That tells me the number of new properties we are creating is not keeping up with our growing population. It gives us an insight into why the property market is so stretched,’’ Kerslake said.
‘‘There is definitely a real shortage of affordable homes and rental properties, particularly in Blenheim.’’ The population increase of 9 per cent was ‘‘quite significant’’ compared with other regions, Kerslake said.
Nelson grew by 9.6 per cent. Northland grew the most, by 18.1 per cent, followed by Bay of Plenty at 15.2 per cent. The West Coast had the only decrease, by 1.8 per cent to 31,575.
The 9 per cent growth was also a large increase compared with Marlborough’s 2013 Census results, which showed a 2 per cent increase since the 2006 Census.
Kerslake was working with the Marlborough District Council’s housing group and two industry organisations to identify the region’s housing challenges and effectively plan for the future.
‘‘The housing sector is quite With strings of glass beads around his neck and a Black Panther mask in his hand, Manaia Huntley grins cheekily.
Each colourful bead marks a moment the Marlborough 8-yearold has ‘‘taken on the chin’’ since a scan revealed a brain tumour in his pineal gland in February.
There is a bead for each night spent in hospital, each prick of a needle, radiation treatments, chemotherapy sessions, and the many consultations he has been through.
The mask is part of the story too. Black Panther was Manaia’s favourite superhero and he wore it during his five weeks of rigorous radiation treatment.