No transitional housing for Waihi residents

Waihi has state housing but there is no transitional housing, despite the rental shortage.

A Housing New Zealand spokesperson says it has 61 properties in Waihi and none in Waihi Beach.

It also had plans for seven new homes in Katikati next year but at this stage there were no new homes planned for Waihi.

Housing New Zealand did not confirm if any of the houses in Waihi were vacant at the moment.

Ministry of Housing and Urban Development Executive for Public Housing Supply deputy chief Scott Gallacher says it did not have any transitional housing places in Waihi or Waihi Beach.

However, those who need housing support are encouraged to contact Work and Income to discuss their needs, he said.

“If there are no public housing places available, but an Emergency Housing Special Needs Grant can be used to pay for short-term accommodation.”

Ministry of Social Development regional commissioner Te Rehia Papesch says it encourages anyone who needs urgent help finding somewhere to live to contact them.

“We can match people to a transitional housing provider within the Waikato region while we work with them to address their long-term housing situation. That involves assessing people for eligibility for the social housing register, which gives priority according to people’s level of need.”

“If transitional housing places are taken, we can pay people an Emergency Housing Special Needs Grant so they can stay somewhere in the short-term, like a motel. Our aim is to make sure everyone who needs our help has somewhere warm, dry and safe to stay.”