Associate Housing Minister Kris Faafoi has officially opened six new homes as part of Accessible Properties’ plans to help address the Tauranga housing shortage.
Minister Faafoi was joined by National Party leader and local MP Simon Bridges, local dignitaries and members of the community, and Accessible Properties staff in cutting the ribbon at the development at 878 Cameron Road.
“I welcome Accessible Properties’ latest contribution to deal with New Zealand’s housing shortage, and I acknowledge all the individuals, organisations and communities who have stepped up to respond,” Minister Faafoi said at the ceremony.
Accessible Properties wants to replace 140 former state homes in Tauranga with more than 400 new townhouses and apartments.
Accessible Properties Chief Executive Greg Orchard says housing wellbeing has become an urgent issue for Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty, and Accessible Properties wants to take action, with a housing project that stands for inclusion and choice.
“We’re ready to work with others to achieve this vision, and we hope our proposal will contribute to deepening community discussions Council has underway on the future development of the Te Papa Peninsula,” says Greg.
“We think we can make a real difference to this community, which has become one of the most unaffordable places to live in the country.”
One of the new tenants, Raymond, was pleased to see his new home, which he has watched being built from his previous accommodation across the road.
The former serviceman, who is deaf, told the Bay of Plenty Times: "It's a new lease on life."
Read the Bay of Plenty Times article on the NZ Herald website.
Read SunLive's article and watch a video of the opening on the SunLive website.
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