10. KATRINA SHANKS (National) Link to this
to the Minister of Housing
What recent announcement has he made about the Government’s response to the Housing Shareholders’ Advisory Group report?
Hon PHIL HEATLEY (Minister of Housing) Link to this
Today I announced $40 million for the next financial year to grow the volume of social housing provided by the community sector. One of the main things the sector has told us is that the current funding framework is too prescriptive, inflexible, and uncertain. This funding consolidates all the previous social housing funds, plus additional money, to create one new flexible fund. It will help both smaller niche providers with specialised services, and urban and rural iwi and other providers wanting to substantially grow their housing portfolios.
The advisory group also recommended that funding of third-sector social housing providers be independent of Housing New Zealand, and that a new organisation be created to develop the social housing sector. Today I also announced the establishment from July of the social housing unit, which is a semi-autonomous body within the Department of Building and Housing. This unit will be responsible for engaging with the sector, and entering into contracts with the Crown’s contribution of land, surplus State houses, or cash to grow the quantum of social housing in New Zealand. It will also monitor those providers. We know that the community housing sector is ready, willing, and able to provide more social housing, along with the Government, and we want to work with it.