10 February 2005

Partnerships the key to affordable housing

Auckland City’s Community Development and Equity Committee yesterday agreed to further explore partnership opportunities for the provision of affordable housing in Auckland City.

“We are looking specifically to increase housing opportunities for low-income working families. Many Auckland workers are forced to live in neighbouring cities because of the lack of affordable housing here – that has an impact on our economy and our traffic congestion,” says Community Development and Equity Committee Chair, Councillor Cathy Casey.

“Since the early 1900’s, this council has had a long and proud involvement in housing, and we are again looking to build partnerships with organisations to increase the stock of affordable housing in Auckland,” she says.

The committee instructed Auckland City officers to work closely with Housing New Zealand and community organisations to assess the best affordable housing options.

“There is a strong climate of cooperation between central government, community organisations and the private sector to make affordable housing a reality for Aucklanders,” says Dr Casey.

Dr Casey says that housing will be approached in an integrated manner, taking into account the impact it has on transport, business and the communities within Auckland City.

The committee also agreed to review the work on affordable housing completed by Hill Young Cooper and Patricia Austin, and to continue involvement in Sustainable Cities work relating to affordable housing

Auckland City Council ended its involvement in housing last term when the City’s pensioner and residential housing portfolio was sold in 2002 for around $82 million.

ENDS

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