Concern over new Mt Cook housing from residents

Wellington residents are asking Housing New Zealand (HNZ) for an assurance its development will not bring more criminal activity into the area. The request was included in a submission from residents in the suburb of Mt Cook on the state housing provider’s proposed redevelopment of its 54-unit Rolleston St site. The project will deliver 80 or 90 units and include up to 20 supported living units for people with a range of needs, such as mental health, addiction issues and homeless people. It is understood the facility may be a candidate for the Government’s Housing First programme, which aims to house and support the long-term homeless. HNZ met with the community in June to share the development principles of the project, which could start in early 2019. Residents group Mt Cook Mobilised supported the redevelopment but had some reservations, spokesman Peter Cooke said.