Partnership to improve elderly housing

Elderly residents living in old and rundown homes can look forward to a housing upgrade thanks to a new business partnership approval.

Auckland Council’s Housing for Older People’s portfolio is now a joint venture with The Selwyn Foundation.

Deputy mayor Penny Hulse says, in a media release, this initiative is about improving both the quality of housing for our older people and the associated services provided.

‘‘Many of the homes don’t meet the needs of our older people,’’ Hulse says.

‘‘It can be something as simple as the hallways not being wide enough for Zimmer frames, or that the villages are located blocks away from a bus stop.’’

Residents of Piringa Court in Northcote, are prime examples of those who will benefit from the plans to upgrade.

Homes in Piringa Court are 46 years old and most are damp and cold with limited facilities.

Auckland’s Governing Body approved the overarching partnership and business model, which also gives council development arm Panuku the mandate to action the development.

Panuku Development Auckland will ensure the new homes address the needs of older people both in location and quality, while not reducing the amount of current homes available, Hulse says.

Panuku strategy and engagement director David Rankin says the redevelopment has an added spin-off to home buyers.

Redevelopment will double the total number of houses of the site, a mix of affordable and marketpriced homes to add to the housing supply, he says.

The Selwyn Foundation is a charitable trust with a long history of providing quality retirement accommodation and care around the country.

It has been the preferred partner since December 2015 following a competitive process.

Chief executive officer Garry Smith says, in a media release, the approval of the partnership arrangement represents a major opportunity for existing and prospective tenants.

‘‘It unlocks greater potential for us to help and support a much larger proportion of our older population.’’

The joint venture company is expected to be established by March 2017.

Upgrades to poorly equipped elderly housing is now a partnership between Auckland Council and The Selwyn Foundation.