Ana Apatu: Suburb learning from past mistakes

Ana Apatu.

Paharakeke - Flaxmere, a suburb of Hastings. Designed to meet the housing demand of Hastings and intended to be an upper-middle class subdivision. The town centre was designed by John Scott in the 1970s. John Scott (9.06.1924 - 30 .07. 1992), respected Maori architect known for his unique buildings that incorporated Maori cultural design.

Historically Flaxmere has undergone a number of changes over the past few decades, many of which were related to a lack of economic development.

In the 1970s, the economic development that took place (planned commercial, recreational and social facilities) in Flaxmere was much slower than was needed. As the population grew throughout the 1970s and more young people moved to the suburb, there was increased concern that Flaxmere did not have the facilities (eg kindergartens, shopping centres, recreational activities) to support the growing population.

In 1990, the new Hastings District Council looked at ways of developing Flaxmere. Six councillors formed a group designed to look at local issues, liaise with the Community Trust, to advocate for a new high school, and promote "beautification schemes" within Flaxmere. It was not until the beginning of the 21st century that Flaxmere residents saw the opening of Te Aranga Marae (considered at the time to be the first truly multicultural marae in New Zealand), Te Kura Kaupapa Maori O Ngati Kahungunu Ki Heretaunga and Eastern Institute of Technology.

Then, in the 80s, a government scheme was implemented to assist people on low incomes to buy their own homes in Flaxmere. Unfortunately, people on low incomes could only afford cheap substandard homes. The pattern of housing development encouraged the development of second houses on properties, often without consideration to robust design or construction. Such substandard housing development has resulted in poor health outcomes for whanau of Flaxmere. As mentioned clinicians are acutely aware of this association - we can draw a line where the family's health deteriorates because of cold damp houses.

Today, of the nearly 3000 houses in Flaxmere, home ownership is low, 51 per cent are rented, including houses or units owned or managed by Housing New Zealand. A large housing complex for older people, the council's largest, is located close to the town centre.

Home ownership rates in Flaxmere have dropped significantly between 2001 and 2013. Over half of all households do not own their own home.

But more on Flaxmere housing at a later date.

Today the town centre is privately owned and includes several small commercial premises, a small supermarket, post shop, take away food premises, a pharmacy and other health service providers. There is no cafe to sit and enjoy a (real) coffee and very limited areas to sit to eat and socialise. And surprisingly but thankfully, no large fast-food chains.

The town centre contains no residential space and has only 20 per cent of the expected retail space per person, (calculated at 2m.2 retail space per person in Flaxmere) compared with a national average 10m.2 of retail space per person.

For a town of 9423 people (census 2013, larger population than Wairoa), the existing centre has retail space to satisfy approximately 20 per cent of the expected demand for retail. It is suggested that a figure of 50 per cent is more realistic for the community the size of Flaxmere to meet its day-to-day needs. There are a number of community and recreational facilities including a library, swimming pool complex and more recently the Flaxmere Community Centre. The town centre contains no residential space with a limited mix of commercial and other activity. Flaxmere is well known for its cul-de-sacs with little connectivity or linkages through the area.

For Flaxmere residents, the most frequent response to a survey question "What do you like about your neighbourhood?" was proximity to schools, parks and walkways. This was followed by safe neighbourhood, large section sizes, affordability of housing, proximity of services, and variety of housing designs. Urban design as demonstrated in Flaxmere can contribute to the wellbeing of a community both positively and negatively. We need to learn from past mistakes and ensure we involve the community with future planning. As Henare tells me, "our beloved suburb of Flaxmere is an opportunity, not a liability".

• Ana Apatu is chief executive of the U-Turn Trust, based at Te Aranga Marae in Flaxmere.