New chief executive for Tauranga state housing buyer

Accessible Properties, the organisation buying Tauranga's state houses, has a new chief executive. Photo/file

A new chief executive has been appointed to the helm of the organisation that will be taking over ownership of Tauranga's state houses.

Accessible Properties announced that Greg Orchard has started in his new role as the organisation prepares to acquire and manage more than a thousand Housing New Zealand houses in Tauranga.

Mr Orchard comes from the Wellington City Council where he held the role of chief operating officer.

He is a chartered accountant who has previously worked at Housing New Zealand in the roles of chief financial officer and general manager of asset services.

Accessible Properties chairman Paul Adams said the organisation was pleased to have Mr Orchard take on the new role.

"The Tauranga investment means significant growth for the organisation and it's fantastic to have someone with his expertise managing the new business alongside our existing properties."

Mr Orchard said he was looking forward to getting his teeth into his new role.

"Whether it's continuing to provide great housing to people with disabilities or to the rapidly increasing number of people needing social housing, I know what a difference a good home makes.

"This is an exciting time to be leading this already strong organisation."

Accessible Properties signed a contract with the Government in December to become the landlords for 1140 Tauranga homes, currently managed by Housing New Zealand, from April 1.

Accessible Properties is a wholly owned subsidiary of IHC, which has been in housing for more than 60 years.

From April, Accessible Properties will manage more than 2700 properties including about 2500 homes, many owned by IHC.