17 November 2011

Glen Innes tenants will be re-housed in state housing

Tenants affected by the proposed northern Glen Innes redevelopment project will be transferred to another state house.

"Housing New Zealand has over 1500 houses in Glen Innes, so it's highly possible that families wanting to remain living in the area will be able to do so," says Acting General Manager of Asset Redevelopment, Chris Jones.

"Plans for the proposed project are still in the very early stages, so families can remain living in their homes until at least mid-2012. We will be moving families over quite a few months, so we are confident that we will be able to find everyone state homes that suit their needs.

"The relocation of families will be carried out carefully and sensitively. Every effort will be made to relocate families to locations that suit them, including being close to schools, work and community networks as we know this is important for many of these families. Housing New Zealand will cover reasonable moving costs, and some relocation costs such as re-connecting utilities," says Mr Jones.

"Over the last five years we have successfully relocated nearly 1100 families nationally for redevelopments. We have a dedicated team whose primary focus is to support families through the relocation process, and work with vulnerable tenants to ensure they have the right information and support," he says.

When the redevelopment is completed, the number and size of state housing in the area will change. Therefore, while we cannot guarantee families will be able to return to new housing in the area, they can always apply for a transfer to one of the homes once they are completed. As per our normal practice, once the homes are completed they will be offered to families in greatest need.

Overview of the proposed northern Glen Innes redevelopment project

The northern Glen Innes redevelopment project proposes the redevelopment of 156 properties to create at least 260 new homes, including:

• 78 that Housing New Zealand will own
• at least 39 other affordable homes (possibly owned or managed through other social or community housing providers)
• the remainder for private sale.

The project also involves modernising another 40 state houses in northern Glen Innes.

The purpose of the redevelopment is to create better, warmer, drier housing, and more home ownership. Housing New Zealand currently has 57 percent of the housing in Tamaki, which we believe is too much. The project will see that reduce to 53 percent over the next five years.

Housing New Zealand will be increasing the number of state houses in the Auckland region by 1400 over the next four years.

ENDS

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