Kāinga Ora to Sell New Plymouth Flats Amid Tenant Displacement and advancement Debate
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Kāinga Ora,New Zealand’s social housing provider,is moving forward with the sale of aging flats in New plymouth,sparking concerns about tenant displacement and fueling a debate over urban development. The decision comes after months of complaints from a local resident regarding the condition of the properties and the behavior of some tenants, escalating to direct communication with government officials.
Concerns Over Property Values and Tenant Conduct
A local resident,who described himself as a “vexatious emailer” to the Minister of Housing Chris Bishop,expressed frustration over the impact of the Kāinga Ora properties on surrounding property values. “It’s no surprise that while property is doing well in New Plymouth and Taranaki, properties have been selling well below RV in and around those flats,” he stated. “It’s been a disgrace, and I’m keen to see it sorted.” The resident’s concerns highlight a broader tension between maintaining affordable housing and preserving property values in desirable areas.
Sale of 1940s Flats and Redevelopment Plans
Kāinga Ora has confirmed it will put the 1940s-era flats on the market. The properties,located on Dawson and St Aubyn streets,are considered no longer suitable for social housing due to their age and location.Proceeds from the sale will be reinvested in “delivering new, warm, dry homes elsewhere,” according to Graeme Broderick, Kāinga Ora regional director for Taranaki.
Developer Peter Tennent has already expressed interest in the land, having submitted a bid for the properties – four of which are currently boarded up. “I’ve made an offer on the land myself,but that will go through due process,” Tennent said.he indicated his offer prioritized “community good” over maximizing property value,with plans to develop apartments for sale.
Did you know?-Kāinga Ora manages over 68,000 homes across New Zealand, providing housing for approximately 185,000 tenants. The institution aims to increase the supply of social housing to meet growing demand.
Tenant Displacement and Housing Instability
The sale is already causing disruption for current tenants. One resident, a man in his 60s with a terminal illness, shared his experience of being repeatedly offered and then having withdrawn housing options. “They going to be sold off and demolished because he doesn’t want his new tenants and new flash penthouses having to look at them and that’s ridiculous,” he said. He recounted being promised relocation to Seaview Road,only to have it deemed medically unsuitable due to the cold,and then being offered and losing access to units on Dawson and st Aubyn streets. The timeline for his move has been repeatedly pushed back, from November to February, and now to March.
Kāinga Ora confirmed that one tenancy was ended due to repeated breaches of obligations. However,the organization maintains it is actively assisting tenants in finding choice housing within its portfolio. “One block is already empty and secured, and we’re helping tenants in the other block move to other Kāinga Ora homes,” Broderick stated. “Once all tenants are rehoused, the properties will go on the open market.”
Pro tip:-Tenants facing displacement due to Kāinga Ora sales can contact the organization directly for assistance with finding alternative housing and understanding their rights.
New Developments in the pipeline
Despite the sale of the older flats, Kāinga Ora is actively expanding its housing stock in New Plymouth. the organization recently completed 14 new one-bedroom homes at 55 Dawson St and is currently constructing another 16 one-bedroom homes on St Aubyn St, demonstrating a commitment to increasing social housing options in the region.
The decision to sell the Dawson and St Aubyn Street flats reflects a broader Kāinga Ora policy of prioritizing redevelopment and investing in modern, suitable housing. The situation underscores the complex challenges of balancing the needs of current tenants with the long-term goals of urban renewal and affordable housing provision.
Reader question:-what happens to tenants when Kāinga Ora sells properties? The organization prioritizes rehousing tenants in other suitable properties within its portfolio before a sale is finalized.
