186 more state houses for Napier and Hastings

Housing Minister Phil Twyford in Tamatea this morning announces 186 new homes to be built in the region. Photo Paul Taylor.

Another 186 state houses will be built in Napier and Hastings over the next four years, Housing Minister Phil Twyford confirmed today.

Speaking in Napier Twyford said including 49 state houses already in the process of being built, more would be constructed as part of the Government's new Public Housing Plan.

"I'm very happy to announce today that for Hawk's Bay we are going to see over the next four years an extra 235 state and community-provided houses in Napier and Hastings.

"This will make a substantial difference and go some way to fixing the housing crisis."

Nationwide, 6400 additional public houses would be built, 330 of those in the Ministry of Development East Coast region, which includes Hawke's Bay, Wairoa and Gisborne.

"The Government's fully funded Public Housing Plan will build 6,400 new homes for families in need.

"The national housing crisis has hurt too many New Zealanders; from those locked out of the Kiwi dream of home ownership, to those left homeless and those suffering the health effects of poor quality housing.

"The single most important thing the Government can do to solve the housing crisis is to build more affordable homes, and the best way to tackle homelessness is to build more public housing.

"We're making a great start in East Coast with concrete plans for 210 more public housing places."

On top of this, the Ministry of Social Development will be partnering with Community Housing Providers, developers, Housing New Zealand, councils and others to build around 120 additional homes.

In the East Coast, there are currently 4,046 public housing places, giving families and individuals warm, dry, and safe homes, for as long as they need it.

"Public housing is an essential part of helping families and vulnerable people with one of their most basic needs, housing.

"It will take bold action to fix the housing crisis created over the past decade and the Public Housing Plan is another step in the right direction. Demand for housing changes all the time, and we'll constantly monitor what's needed and will continue to invest in places where New Zealanders need public housing the most."