NZ Prime Minister Chris Hipkins announced a significant achievement as the government completed the delivery of more than 12,000 additional public homes since October 2017.
This rapid pace of housing provision marks a historic milestone, with the current NZ Government delivering the highest number of public homes annually since the 1950s.
“One in seven of all public homes in New Zealand has now been delivered by this government,” the Prime Minister said.
“This impressive feat becomes even more remarkable when considering that nearly ten thousand of these homes are new, providing warmth and dryness to their occupants.”
The government’s building program has not only addressed the pressing need for housing but has also played a vital role in supporting the economy.
A remarkable 22,000 individuals have been involved in the building program, contributing to job creation and economic growth in recent years.
“In just six years, we have rebuilt the public housing stock, reversing the trend left by the previous administration, which resulted in 1,500 fewer public homes,” Minister for Housing Megan Woods said.
“Our commitment to building public housing is evident in every region of New Zealand, with each area having more public homes than when we assumed office.”
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The newly constructed homes meet the government’s Healthy Home Standards, ensuring proper insulation, heating, and ventilation. By July 2024, it is expected that all public housing will meet these standards, further enhancing the living conditions for tenants.
In addition to the public homes, the government has delivered over 4,000 transitional homes equipped with comprehensive social and health services, supporting needy individuals.
Recognizing the importance of public housing in providing stable and affordable living options, Minister Woods emphasized the government’s deep commitment to expanding public housing further.
By the end of 2024, an additional 3,000 public homes will be delivered, with another 3,000 planned by June 2025, as announced in Budget 2023.
“I will soon release an updated Public Housing Plan, focusing on the distribution of these additional 3,000 homes to regions with the highest need,” she said.
With a net increase of 12,017 public homes since October 2017, including 9,917 new builds, the total number now stands at 78,251. Additionally, over 4,000 transitional homes have been added, bringing the total available places to 5,910 as of April 2023.
The government remains on track to achieve its target of delivering over 18,000 new public and transitional housing places by 2024, with over 4,500 public housing places currently under construction.