12. HEKIA PARATA (National) Link to this
to the Minister of Housing
What progress has the Government made with fulfilling the establishment of an Options and Advice Service?
Hon PHIL HEATLEY (Minister of Housing) Link to this
I am pleased to announce the launch of phase 1 of the Options and Advice Service, which has eight pilot neighbourhoods. The aim of the service is to provide applicants with information and advice that helps them to identify housing options that may be available to them, not just State housing but rental opportunities in the private sector or possibly even homeownership. I thank my colleague the Hon Paula Bennett and her ministry team for their support in working with us on developing the scheme.
Phase 1 of the roll-out will see the service operating in Whangarei, Onehunga, Panmure, Manurewa, Hamilton, Manawatū, Linwood, and Timaru. These sites were chosen for geographical spread as well as to see how the service works in different types of neighbourhood units. Phase 2 will consist of a national roll-out of the service in 2010. Initially, customers to Housing New Zealand Corporation’s front door will be the focus of the service. However, we are looking to provide the service to existing tenants—for example, offering them the opportunity to buy the home they live in, in some cases.