The Government has announced changes to housing in Rotorua. “Rotorua whānau will enjoy greater access to modern affordable housing thanks to a community-led partnership delivering 189 affordable homes backed by the Government”, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. The Minister has gone on to say “Rotorua is a priority location for housing,” Mr Potaka says. “We’re backing community-led solutions to address the need here, which has seen disproportionate numbers of people in emergency and temporary housing, and about 700 applicants waiting on the social housing register.
“Rental affordability has been a long-standing issue. Some whānau have struggled to find an affordable rental home so they’ve been limited to emergency and social housing.
“The new homes will complement RLC’s new Rotorua Housing Plan to enable iwi and hapu housing aspirations, increase housing choice and support diverse housing needs. The plan was developed with extensive local engagement.
“As promised, we are also making solid progress toward ending Contracted Emergency Housing. We prioritised exiting two motels located near Whakarewarewa Village and this will be followed by the exit of a further two motels by the end of July, with all remaining motels exited before the end of the year.
“Progress has been the result of the Government’s significant investment in the city, working with central government agencies such as HUD, leadership from Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell and the RLC, as well as by Iwi and other local parties to increase social and affordable housing.
In Rotorua, 75% of whānau (families) in emergency housing are Māori, with around 768 adults and children housed in motels as of early 2023. Rapid population growth (≈9,000 since 2013) and limited housing supply (just 1,600 consents vs ~9,000 people) have pushed home and rental prices up to 148% and 104% increases respectively by 2022, compounding housing insecurity (according to HUD). Motels have become de facto emergency housing hubs, with consent for 7 contracted motels extended through 2025-though community opposition remains strong. Te Arawa and Ngāti Whakaue iwi leaders have demanded an end to emergency housing practices, citing safety concerns for whānau and neighbourhoods, and want an iwi-led response alongside government ministries
