Housing programme 'long overdue'

BY MELANIE VERRAN

A government funding injection to lift housing standards in Tamaki is long overdue, says a woman who provides emergency housing for the homeless.

Danielle Bergin of the Island Child Charitable Trust in Pt England has welcomed the government announcement on Tuesday that it is kickstarting the Tamaki Transformation Programme with $52 million over the next three years.

About 150 new houses will be built and 120 existing homes upgraded in Glen Innes, Pt England and Panmure in the programme’s first stage.

"I reckon it’s brilliant," Ms Bergin says. "It needs to be done. It’s long overdue."

Through her work she meets people who have been living in substandard state housing. One Taniwha St resident was recently rehomed in Pakuranga when it was discovered he had lead poisoning, likely caused by the house’s flaky paint.

"The housing stock has to be improved. I’d love to see more areas benefit, like Maybury Place, Pt England Rd, Coates Cres and Court Cres," Ms Bergin says.

"There’s lots of hot spots that need work but it’s a good start."

She hopes to be invited to be involved in the transformation programme.

Part of the funding will be used to launch work by other ministries involved in the project, including those for education, health, Pacific Island affairs and social development and employment.

Housing Minister Phil Heatley describes the 20-year programme as a hugely ambitious project to transform the area into a thriving and prosperous place to live.

"We are determined to get better results for the residents of Tamaki," he says.

"Currently the government’s investment in health, housing, education and social services in the area is twice the national household average, yet social indicators are going backwards."

Mr Heatley says by using land more efficiently the redevelopment will start to break up high concentrations of state housing, allow more private ownership, and provide affordable home ownership opportunities.

"Over time better housing will deliver better living conditions, a healthier community, a more mixed population and a more attractive urban environment."

The vision also includes better parks and reserves, transport links, community services and infrastructure needs.

Ms Bergin says she supports the move to reduce state housing dependency passed down through generations.

"People should aspire to more than getting into a Housing New Zealand house and having a roof over their heads for 30 years," she says.

"I’d like to see more low-income families assisted into buying their own homes."

The government is working closely with the Auckland City Council and Auckland Regional Council on the programme.

Auckland City Council city development committee chairman councillor Aaron Bhatnagar says the council has put significant resources into planning how the area’s rapid growth will be managed.

"Tamaki is one of the fastest growing parts of the city and this programme will maximise the potential of this area," he says.

The city council plans to spend about $373.3m in Tamaki over the next 10 years, including public transport connections, safer roads and better job opportunities.

- © Fairfax NZ News