Habitat partnership strengthens NPDC Housing for the Elderly

NPDC’s 12 new affordable rental homes for the elderly in Bell Block will be managed by community housing provider Habitat for Humanity under an agreement that will have no cost to ratepayers.

Habitat for Humanity Central Region will lease the new Wynyard Street units from NPDC at their full market value and offer them to tenants on the government’s housing waiting list if they’re eligible under NPDC’s Housing for the Elderly policy.

The agreement offers NPDC more revenue than it would have earned through its self-managed Housing for the Elderly scheme, which rents units direct to tenants at below-market value, and will fully fund the $4.9m development from the lease revenue.

Habitat, a not-for-profit organisation, is a community housing provider registered with the government’s Community Housing Regulatory Authority, enabling it to work with central Government so it can access a subsidy and rent the units to tenants at below market rates.

New Plymouth District Mayor Max Brough said the partnership was a win for ratepayers and offered some hope to elderly people struggling to find affordable homes.

"This partnership builds on the work of previous councils and community housing advocates and allows us to achieve better outcomes than we could on our own.

Ratepayers can't be all things to all people, but they can expect Council to make the most of the assets and opportunities we already have,” said Mayor Max.

“It’ll be great to see people actually moving into these new homes.”

Habitat for Humanity Central Region Chief Executive Nic Greene said the partnership would help older people access safe, affordable homes while remaining connected to their local community.

"A warm, secure home provides the foundation for wellbeing, independence and connection. We're pleased to be partnering with Council to ensure more older people in the New Plymouth District can access quality housing that enables them to continue living active and fulfilling lives in the communities they know and love,“ said Mr Greene.

The agreement applies only to the 12 new units, which are expected to be completed later this year, and does not affect tenants of NPDC’s 145 existing Housing for the Elderly units.  Tenants are expected to start moving in early next year.

At a glance:

• The new one-bedroom units are being built to modern standards for heat, ventilation and accessibility – including accessible bathrooms. They will also have enclosed mobility scooter parking and their own outdoor areas.
•  The project is being funded from the $12m over three years included in the 2024-2034 Long-term Plan to increase the number of homes in NPDC’s Housing for the Elderly service.
• NPDC’s Housing for the Elderly criteria include those aged 65 or older, receiving a pension or benefit or on a low income and have no significant assets.

Caption: Twelve new affordable units for the elderly are expected to be completed early next year.