Solutions for Dunedin’s rental market

Tuesday, 26 August 2014, 4:21 pm
Press Release: Community Housing Aotearoa

Community Housing Sector offers some solutions for Dunedin’s rental market

Community Housing Aotearoa is commending Presbyterian Support Otago for shining the spotlight on the deteriorating quality of the private rental market in Dunedin.

The new report – Out in the Cold – surveyed low income private rental housing dwellers. One of the findings was that just 23% of houses in the private rental market meet Presbyterian Support Otago’s Reasonable Rental Standard, dropping from 36% from 2004.

CHA Director Scott Figenshow says the findings clearly show the situation is getting worse, not better.

“It’s a basic right that renters have warm and safe homes. This survey is important as it shows that this right is not being met and highlights the very serious issues in the rental market in Dunedin.”

Scott Figenshow says the work also pinpoints that the community housing sector can help deliver solutions.

“The report provides more evidence that the community housing sector is well placed to step up and deliver solutions. One of the report’s recommendations is for a Dunedin-led solution where local providers and the Dunedin City Council work together to undertake redevelopment where housing is sub-standard.”

He says regions like Dunedin are facing different issues to centres such as Auckland and Christchurch. It is important the Government’s newly formed Establishment Unit recognises this.

“It is vital that this new entity recognises that one approach will not work for the whole country – each region has different issues and CHA’s recommendations to the Unit will highlight attention to these.”

He says the Presbyterian Support Otago research will be a good reference point for policy makers in regard to addressing the issues facing Dunedin.

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Community Housing Aotearoa

Nga Wharerau o Aotearoa

Community Housing Aotearoa is the peak body for New Zealand's community housing sector. Our 110 members build and manage affordable and social housing.

Our Vision is to make sure every New Zealander is well-housed in a warm, safe, dry and affordable home. This is a basic human right.

We work to support the growth and development of community housing providers to enable them to provide affordable and social housing.

We want to demonstrate that community housing is a critical element alongside private and government owned housing. No one can do it alone.

Community Housing Aotearoa aims to:

1. be the voice of the community housing sector
2. build capacity and foster collaboration
3. promote best practice in housing policy
4. champion quality and excellence.

Contact Community Housing Aotearoa

• Website - communityhousing.org.nz/
• Our Place - Learn how we think this can be achieved
• Phone - +64 4 385 8722
• About us - Our 2021 annual report is online here
• Email - support@communityhousing.org.nz
• Link - Members directory
• Physical Address - Level 11, Ranchhod Tower, 39 The Terrace/102-112 Lambton Quay, Wellington