Quake farmers offered homes deal
Temporary units could help Kaikoura people who need to keep working the land
Farmers with damaged homes from the Kaikoura earthquake will be able to apply to buy temporary housing units at a discounted rate.
The 20 units are currently at the Rawhiti Domain in Christchurch, where they were used to support families after the 2011 earthquakes there.
Building and Construction Minister Dr Nick Smith said there were farmers in the Hurunui, Kaikoura and Marlborough districts with badly damaged homes after the November 14 earthquake.
“[They] need alternative accommodation while their homes are repaired, but practically need to stay on the land.
“The option of relocating the temporary housing now surplus from the Christchurch earthquake recovery is an additional option that will provide a workable solution for some.”
The movable homes will be sold to farmers for their residual book value of $24,510, which Smith said was a significant discount on their market value.
The farmers will also have to cover the cost of relocation, connection of services and will need to obtain consents from their local council.
Right now 13 of the 20 Rawhiti units are available, and more will free up as tenants’ home repairs are completed.
Smith said the number of quakehit farmers who could benefit from the temporary accommodation was 18 in the Hurunui district, five in Kaikoura and five in Marlborough, “although the economic viability of relocating the homes to Marlborough through the Lewis Pass may not be viable”.