North Shore Times (New Zealand)
State houses lifeline for school
A principal says a nearby state housing development will throw the only decile one school on the North Shore a lifeline.
Development plans for Housing New Zealand’s (HNZ) Northcote Special Housing area were announced in May.
An existing 19 HNZ owned properties will be redeveloped into 56 new houses on the proposed sites of Cadness St, Tonar St and Potter Ave, near Onepoto Primary School.
For principal Marc Dombroski, the additional housing in the area couldn’t come sooner.
With a current roll of 91 students, he says it opens potential for 200 more students at his school.
‘‘I feel it’s a great opportunity for the future of the school to grow...even if only 10 per cent of the families have primary age children it does give us opportunities,’’ Dombroski says.
‘‘With our school being right on the fence of this whole development we want to be the number one choice for people.’’
A lot of the housing is occupied by school families, with two school families affected by the first stage of developments. HNZ is in touch with tenants about alternative accommodation.
The current houses are run down and in poor condition and Dombroski was so concerned last year he contacted Northcote MP Jonathan Coleman to assess them.
He says the new housing will raise the quality of life for people.
‘‘Everyone knew this area was going to be bulldozed but it has taken so much longer than anybody thought it would.
‘‘I’m very excited to get new houses which will have a positive effect on the health of the families and children in the long run.’’
Dombroski first heard about the development plans about 18 years ago, but they were put on hold due to complications.
Hobsonville Land Company was named as the developer this year and Dombroski has been attending its meetings regularly in an effort to be kept in the loop.
Developments are planned to take place in four stages, with the first stage beginning by the end of this year.
The build is expected to take two build seasons, which is roughly two summers of good weather.
The new housing will coincide with the Northcote town centre redevelopment and drainage work in the area.