22 October 2004

Collaborative forum to address affordable housing issues in west Rodney

The Rodney District Council (RDC), Work and Income (W & I), Family and Community Services (FCS) and Housing New Zealand Corporation (HNZC) are collaborating to identify housing issues faced by people living and working in west Rodney, beginning with a community forum next month.

The forum will look at some of the effects real estate value has on the ability of skilled workers to live and work in Rodney and the ability of families to own their own homes. The forum will also look at rental properties and emergency housing, and the effects of availability and cost.

Angela Pearce, Regional Manager West and North Auckland for HNZC, says the issue of affordable housing addresses a fundamental human right everyone is entitled to. “Everyone needs a home that is of good quality, affordable and secure,””, she says.

Jacqueline Aust of the RDC says the forum will encourage agencies in the district to work together for vital community outcomes. She says “Vision Rodney talks about valuing families and their safety – this includes families having access to affordable housing, she says.”

Ms Aust adds “The role of the RDC is to connect the agencies that have the mandate, funds and systems to make it happen and, with the community, identify exactly what the issues are so we can work towards the solutions, Ms Aust says..”

Cherrie Povey, Kaitataki a Rohe, who is representing Ngati Whatua Nga Rima o Kaipara Trustees is involved in the collaboration and is supportive of the forum approach. “Our interests are around continuing to build relationships with agencies that can positively influence the quality of life of the Rodney community. It’s very encouraging to have these bodies working together.”

ENDS

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