10. TODD McCLAY (National—Rotorua) Link to this
to the Minister of Housing
What recent announcements has he made regarding the Government’s Housing Innovation Fund?
Hon PHIL HEATLEY (Minister of Housing) Link to this
Recently I announced another six projects that will receive just under $8 million from the fund. These projects will help provide 20 new properties in Queenstown and eight new properties in Nelson. Another four projects will benefit Māori directly with 44 new properties to be built in Northland, Tauranga, and Whakatāne through the Māori Demonstration Partnerships.
The idea of the fund is to encourage partnerships with community housing organisations where the taxpayer fronts up with some cash and so do the community housing organisations. To date this programme has helped fund 169 new houses, with the Government giving $20 million and the community $40 million. So for every dollar the taxpayers put in, the communities put in $2 and we have 169 new houses. It is a brilliant fund.