Partnerships needed in social housing

Community housing providers believe partnering with commercial entities could be key to achieving better social and affordable housing results.

Monday, May 25th 2015, 12:00AM

by Miriam Bell

Community Housing Aotearoa director Scott Figenshow said CHPs see a strong place for partnerships with commercial entities to ensure that mixed tenure results are achieved.

The government’s intention to transfer some Housing New Zealand properties for use as ongoing social housing run by community housing providers has been made loud and clear, he said.

“What the community housing sector is trying to communicate equally clearly is that the better future is one where those properties can be regenerated, made fit for purpose, and deliver a whole range of better community outcomes.

“It is not just about putting a new landlord in place.”

Speeding up the stock regeneration process for all areas of the country is also crucial, Figenshow added.

As such, the community housing sector wants a comprehensive approach – involving partnerships with government and commercial entities - to achieve this.

However, Figenshow said CHPs think the government’s Budget initiatives on housing are too timid and won’t deliver the results needed.

“There are some positives in the Budget, but it lacks a comprehensive approach to connect various initiatives together.”

He said the community housing sector was developing a strategy to grow the sector and invited the government to partner with them.

Meanwhile, Accessible Properties general manager Andrew Wilson said the organisation is committed to providing affordable housing to those in need.

“We’ll keep talking to the government and to the private sector in our commitment to help people in need into good quality homes.”

Accessible Properties has its own building programme, but is also interested in purchasing some of the former state houses the government has said it will be putting up for sale.

Habitat for Humanity CEO Claire Szabó said the organisation is engaging constructively with all interested parties to assess the value of the government’s programme to their mission.

“With the significant need in New Zealand, all ideas are on the table. We will always work cooperatively with government, and anyone committed to housing New Zealanders, to make progress on our vision.”

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