January 13, 2013
High demand for Kaitaia whānau housing
Fifty-seven families have applied for the first nine homes in He Korowhai Atawhaiu Trust’s residential development in Kaitaia.
The trust has put a five acre block on the northern edge of the town into Maori title and will issue licenses to occupy the sections.
Chief executive Ricky Houghton says nine former state houses from Glen Innes have been bought on to the land and are awaiting connection to services and council sign-off.
“I feel like Robin Hood, taking houses from poor people to house poor people,” he says.
Families will be able to buy the homes for $135,000 with a no-deposit 17 year loan under the Government’s new Kainga Whenua scheme.
Mr Houghton says the level of demand indicates the need in the region, where people are living in condemned homes, shacks and garages because there is not enough housing stock.
The development, which will eventually have 18 houses, will also include a health clinic, kohanga reo and shop.
Residents must agree to a strict no drugs or alcohol policy in the papakainga.
The trust hopes to have the first houses ready for occupation by July.
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