Articles tagged with Housing
Government Approves Infrastructure Levy to Build 1,500 New Homes at Te Awa Lakes
2 days ago | 89 viewsThe Government has approved the use of an Infrastructure Funding and Financing (IFF) Act Levy to support the construction of around 1,500 new homes in the Te Awa Lakes development near Hamilton by funding up to $50 million in water and roading infrastructure. The IFF Act enables infrastructure costs to be financed through a Special Purpose Vehicle that charges levies to benefiting homeowners, bypassing local government borrowing constraints and allowing growth to pay for growth. Additionally, the Government is enhancing the IFF Act and supporting developments like Te Awa Lakes with the Greenfield Model to reduce financing costs and promote affordable housing growth.
Tags: Chris Bishop Te Awa Lakes Infrastructure Funding and Financing Act Hamilton City Council New Zealand Government Housing Minister IFF Act Levy Greenfield Model National Infrastructure Funding and Financing Limited Coalition GovernmentNew Government Framework to Regulate Residential Property Managers for Better Rental Outcomes
2 days ago | 80 viewsThe Government is introducing a new regulatory framework for residential property managers to improve accountability, consistency, and trust in the rental sector. This regime will establish a public register, set clear standards for financial management and conduct, and create a formal complaints and disciplinary process supported by dedicated authorities. The changes aim to protect client funds, ensure proper training and eligibility, and foster a stable housing market benefiting both landlords and tenants.
Tags: Tama Potaka residential property managers landlords tenants registration system complaints process financial management rental market housing stabilityGovernment’s Flexible Fund Opens Applications for 770 New Social Homes in NZ
3 weeks ago | 202 viewsThe New Zealand Government has launched the first round of applications for the Flexible Fund, aiming to create up to 770 new social homes and affordable rentals in high-need areas by supporting community and iwi Māori housing providers. This fund replaces previous fragmented programs with a targeted, data-driven approach to deliver the right homes in priority locations, emphasizing value for money, local demand, and timely delivery. It forms part of a broader Housing Investment Plan and reforms to boost social housing, reduce emergency housing reliance, and ensure stable, affordable housing options for vulnerable families.
Tags: Chris Bishop Tama Potaka New Zealand Flexible Fund social housing affordable rentals Kāinga Ora Housing Investment Plan iwi Māori Ministry of Housing and Urban DevelopmentNew Methamphetamine Contamination Rules for Rental Properties Effective April 2026
4 weeks ago | 341 viewsNew regulations addressing methamphetamine contamination in rental properties will take effect from 16 April 2026, establishing clear, evidence-based thresholds and processes to ensure consistency for landlords and tenants. Properties with residue above 15µg/100cm² must be decontaminated, and if levels exceed 30µg/100cm², tenancy termination options become available, with professional testing aligned to New Zealand Standard 8510:2017 required in certain cases. Developed with expert advice, these rules aim to protect tenant health while minimizing landlord costs, with guidance provided through MBIE’s Tenancy Services website.
Tags: Tama Potaka Peter Gluckman methamphetamine contamination rental properties New Zealand Standard 8510:2017 Ministry of Housing and Urban Development MBIE Tenancy Services New Zealand Institute for Public Health Forensic ScienceFast-Track Approval for Arataki Subdivision to Deliver 200 New Homes in Hawke’s Bay
1 month ago | 268 viewsThe Arataki subdivision in Havelock North has received Fast-track approval to deliver up to 200 new homes, generating an estimated $78 million investment and creating approximately 629 jobs over five years. This development aims to address Hawke’s Bay’s housing affordability crisis, where prices have surged significantly, by increasing housing supply for locals and temporary workers. Arataki is the sixth housing project approved through the Fast-track process, which accelerates infrastructure and housing developments across New Zealand.
Tags: Chris Bishop CDL Land NZ Limited Arataki subdivision Hawke’s Bay Havelock North housing affordability infrastructure residential development expert panelsNew Police Move-On Powers Boost Safety in Auckland City Centre
1 month ago | 201 viewsThe Government has introduced new move-on powers for Police as part of its Auckland city centre action plan to address antisocial behaviour and enhance safety, making the CBD a welcoming place for residents, workers, and visitors. Progress includes housing 146 people through the Housing First initiative, a significant drop in crime victimisations, improved police presence, and infrastructure upgrades like better lighting and cameras. With major developments like the International Convention Centre and City Rail Link underway, the Government emphasizes a balanced approach of support and accountability to ensure Auckland’s city centre remains safe and vibrant.
Tags: Simeon Brown Auckland Police Housing First Auckland Council City Rail Link International Convention Centre Government CBD TourismNew Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport Set to Launch in 2026
1 month ago | 268 viewsThe Government has introduced legislation to create the Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT), consolidating housing, transport, urban development, and environmental functions into one agency. This involves disestablishing the Ministry for the Environment and transferring its statutory responsibilities to MCERT, which will provide integrated advice to address economic and environmental challenges. MCERT is scheduled to be established by April 2026 and operational by July 2026, with a chief executive appointment forthcoming.
Tags: Chris Bishop Penny Simmonds Ministry for Cities Environment Regions and Transport MCERT Ministry for the Environment Ministry of Housing and Urban Development Ministry of Transport Department of Internal Affairs Environment Act RMA ReformFast-Track Approval Boosts Queenstown with 2,800 New Homes and Jobs
1 month ago | 224 viewsInfrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has approved a Fast-track application by RCL Homestead Bay Limited to build 2,800 homes and a commercial precinct in Queenstown, addressing the region's severe housing shortage and high prices. The project is expected to contribute $720.3 million to GDP and create approximately 4,420 construction jobs, while minimizing pressure on existing infrastructure through independent wastewater systems. This approval marks the 10th successful Fast-track project, demonstrating the system's effectiveness in accelerating essential infrastructure developments across New Zealand.
Tags: Chris Bishop RCL Homestead Bay Limited Queenstown New Zealand Homestead Bay Infrastructure Minister Queenstown Lakes Housing Development Economic BoostKāinga Ora Turnaround: Lower Debt, Build Costs, and Improved Tenancy Satisfaction
1 month ago | 318 viewsOne year after launching its Turnaround Plan, Kāinga Ora has significantly improved financial management by reducing debt forecasts, cutting operating costs, and lowering build expenses through standardized designs and better procurement. The agency is maintaining its social housing stock while enhancing quality via renewals and retrofits, selling unsuitable properties, and exceeding new home delivery targets. Tenant satisfaction and safety have increased, rent arrears and vacancy rates have declined, and Kāinga Ora is more effectively managing anti-social behavior and complaints, reflecting stronger governance and operational focus.
Tags: Kāinga Ora Chris Bishop Tama Potaka Turnaround Plan social housing New Zealand government housing debt tenancy satisfaction build costs community housing providersOver 1,700 Pet Bonds Lodged Since December 2025 Boosting Kiwi Renters and Landlords
1 month ago | 284 viewsSince the pet bond system began on 1 December 2025, over 1,700 pet bonds have been lodged, reflecting positive uptake among renters with pets. The system aims to balance renters' ability to keep pets with landlords' need for protection by allowing pet bonds up to two weeks’ rent and requiring landlord consent on reasonable grounds. Managed through Tenancy Services, the reform provides a clear, practical process that supports both tenants and landlords in the rental market.
Tags: Chris Bishop Tama Potaka pet bonds Tenancy Services Housing Minister Associate Housing Minister renters with pets landlords rental market New ZealandGovernment Invests $4M for Bisset Road Social Housing Infrastructure in Kaikohe
1 month ago | 304 viewsThe Government is investing $4 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to support essential infrastructure for the Bisset Road social housing project in Kaikohe, which will provide up to 100 affordable rental homes with rents capped at 80 percent of market rates for 25 years. The project, led by Te Hau Ora o Ngāpuhi Limited, aims to create local jobs, apprenticeships, and strengthen regional supply chains by using local timber and contractors. Additional funding includes a $29.7 million grant from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and a $13.6 million loan from Community Finance, with infrastructure work underway and the entire development expected to finish by 2027.
Tags: Shane Jones Tama Potaka Ngāpuhi Te Hau Ora o Ngāpuhi Te Runanga a Iwi o Ngāpuhi Regional Infrastructure Fund Ministry of Housing and Urban Development Community Finance Kaikohe Bisset RoadOne Year On: $200M Boost Drives 463 Affordable Māori Rental Homes Delivery
1 month ago | 346 viewsOne year after the Government’s $200 million investment, 463 affordable rental homes for whānau Māori have been approved across 11 Māori-led projects, with 392 homes contracted and over 260 progressing through early development stages. These homes are located in high-need regions and are intended to remain affordable rentals for at least 25 years, supporting long-term housing stability and community capacity. The initiative aligns with the Government’s broader efforts to fix the housing system by unlocking land, improving infrastructure, and reducing building barriers to increase housing supply and economic growth.
Tags: Tama Potaka Toitū Tairāwhiti Housing Limited Te Hau Ora o Ngāpuhi Ngāti Whakaue Tribal Lands Māori whānau Tamariki Government affordable housing Māori housing providersTemporary Accommodation and Marae Support Aid Severe Weather Recovery in NZ
1 month ago | 306 viewsMinister Tama Potaka announced that temporary accommodation, including motorhomes, and marae-led welfare support are being provided to those displaced by recent severe weather, with rapid assessments and placements through the Government’s Temporary Accommodation Service. Marae have played a crucial role in offering shelter and kai, supported by a $1 million Marae Emergency Response Fund to acknowledge their leadership and cover associated costs. People needing accommodation or insurance claim support are encouraged to register with the relevant services, and marae or organizations can seek reimbursement through Te Puni Kōkiri.
Tags: Tama Potaka Te Puni Kōkiri Marae Emergency Response Fund Temporary Accommodation Service New Zealand Claims Resolution Service Māori Development Associate Minister of Housing Northland marae whānauAuckland's Kings Quarry Expansion Approved for Long-Term Fast-Track Growth
3 months ago | 493 viewsKings Quarry Limited has received Fast-track approval to expand its quarry operations in Auckland, allowing extraction of up to 500,000 tonnes per year for up to 100 years. The project aims to supply local aggregate materials for major infrastructure, reducing transport costs, emissions, and heavy traffic while providing long-term regional employment. Fast-track approval streamlines the consent process, avoiding lengthy and costly procedures, and is part of a broader initiative with 25 projects now referred to this expedited process.
Tags: Chris Bishop Shane Jones Kings Quarry Auckland quarrying infrastructure New Zealand mining housingNew Ministry of Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT) Launches in NZ
3 months ago | 494 viewsThe Government has established the Ministry of Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT) by merging four agencies to streamline housing, transport, urban development, and environmental reforms. MCERT aims to address New Zealand’s economic and environmental challenges through integrated planning, clearer accountability, and coordinated policy advice, improving outcomes for local government and communities. The new Ministry will be fully operational by July 2026, with a Chief Executive appointed earlier that year, enhancing efficiency and supporting ambitious reform agendas.
Tags: Chris Bishop Judith Collins Simon Watts Penny Simmonds Ministry of Cities Environment Regions and Transport New Zealand government housing reform urban development local government climate change