Maraenui revamp project a 'better deal' for suburb

Maraenui ward councillor Maxine Boag

A project to "revitalise" Maraenui following the planned demolition of 33 Housing NZ buildings in the suburb next year, is now officially under way.

The Maraenui Suburban Revitalisation Project kicked off at the Eastern Institute of Technology's Hawke's Bay campus yesterday, with a Memorandum of Understanding signed by a number of organisations committed to the project, including Housing NZ, Napier City Council, local Maori authorities and construction companies.

A council spokeswoman said the project was formed in response to Housing NZ's 2011 announcement it would remove its surplus of uninhabitable houses in Maraenui.

The corporation confirmed earlier this year it planned to demolish 33 buildings, or 96 units, in the suburb.

"The original announcement sparked a region-wide conversation about not only housing issues within Maraenui, but what else could be done to improve overall community wellbeing."

The first stage of the project would be led by Roopu a Iwi Trust, Housing NZ and the council, and would focus on informing the local community about the plan and seeking feedback.

Yesterday's MOU aimed to formalise the existing working relationships between the parties, which also included Horvath Homes, Te Taiwhenua o te Whanganui a Orotu, the Ministry of Social Development, Alexander Construction, Te Puni Kokiri and Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga.

Maraenui ward councillor Maxine Boag said it signified "a commitment to make an overall plan for Housing NZ in Maraenui".

"It's a very exciting opportunity to make some positive, planned progress in Maraenui. This suburb really deserves a better deal."

Housing NZ area manager Andrew Cairns said the properties would be demolished "early next year at the earliest".

They were "either earthquake-prone or old, poorly configured and no longer fit for purpose".

"It makes sense to look at how the land can be used in a way that supports the community's vision."