Vision for Western Bay of Plenty housing taking shape

The progress of major housing developments in Western Bay of Plenty is being acknowledged, five years after Council committed to a vision to see all residents well housed.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s Strategic Housing Programme Lead, Simone Cuers, shared with Council’s Community Committee a summary of significant projects, including what has been delivered since the commitment was made.

Simone says providing affordable housing remains a key priority for Council.

“Part of our strategic priority is agreeing local housing plans and delivering projects to meet housing needs of our local communities. We are committed to doing more than just freeing up land but helping people into housing.

“We know there are challenges that come with the cost-of-living, and with our growing population putting additional pressure on housing, so we are doing as much as we can to help.

“Initiatives, including our partnership with Classic Homes at Kaimai Views has helped more whānau in Western Bay get their foot on the property ladder. The partnership began in 2017, with Council agreeing to provide the land and Classic Homes committing to selling half of the homes under the median house price.”

Kiwibuild homes were also included in this development in later stages, meaning there were more than 120 affordable homes delivered. All house and land packages have sold now, with the last two homes set to be completed early next year.

“It’s a privilege to see this project nearing its end, knowing our partnership has played a role in getting families into homes,” adds Simone.

Providing affordable rentals for older people remains a core part of Council’s business. The redevelopment of 11 older units into 26 fit-for-purpose units in Katikati underscores Council’s commitment to providing housing for those most in need. The $13 million project was one of only three in the Bay of Plenty that were successful in securing central government funding for the rebuild – an exciting new development for the town which will enable more people to affordably rent and remain in their community as they get older.

Council also reduced the development costs of not-for-profit housing in 2022, (reduction of financial contributions for the development of community housing and Papakāinga), providing savings of $160,000 for a social housing provider’s project in Te Puke.

Upgrading or building infrastructure is also a vital part of enabling housing development. Infrastructure projects required in Ōmokoroa Stage 3 development include transportation ($168 million) and water infrastructures ($42 million) over the next 10 years.

Council is also about to complete District Plan changes in Ōmokoroa and Te Puke which will enable more homes to be built by removing some resource consent requirements, and establishing new residential areas.

“While we’re pleased with the progress we have made since committing to our vision, we know there’s more to do. We want to be sure that our plans meet the needs of our population, and that might mean our approach shifts,” explains Simone.

“For example, there are some exciting opportunities in the pipeline for further partnerships. We want to make sure we can take these chances with both hands to deliver the best for our Western Bay of Plenty whānau and to keep delivering on our commitment into the future.”

The full summary report presented in Council can be viewed on our website. You can also watch a replay of the meeting on Council’s YouTube, starting from 1 hr, 25 mins, 14 secs.