With the help of central government our council can assist developers, landlords and non-profit organisations to deliver innovative and effective solutions to these. And importantly simultaneously protect and enhance our local environment.
In November, council will consider its medium-density housing draft strategy. Here are some details to consider:
- Medium-density housing which is attractively designed, well-built and insulated with quality green spaces and play areas offers immediate benefits to the community.
- Near-to-city living is advantageous to residents and businesses in the area. And compact residential developments which are close to the city centre, its supermarkets, parks and playgrounds make the most of the city's infrastructure and protect the region's soil-based economy. They also reduce the need for vehicles and encourage the health benefits of cycling and walking. Add to these a sense of community and the benefits of buying local. People living in well designed higher-density housing know their neighbours, feel more secure, shop locally and visit nearby parks and playgrounds.
- Converting first-floor heritage buildings into apartments is something council is encouraging city landlords to put into action. Parking is obviously needed to make such conversions easier and council will soon consider changes to the District Plan which will address these requirements.
- On the contrary, Greenfield lower-density housing located on the city outskirts requires greater infrastructure cost and puts pressure on productive land.
The Heretaunga Plains are the cornerstone of our regional economy. Justifying the new Greenfield Housing Subdivision's impact on productive land while at the same time housing all who live here, or want to live here, has to be both a responsibility and a challenge.
Through the Heretaunga Plains Urban Development Strategy (HPUDS) our council carefully considers land for development to ensure we have enough and at the same time offers protection of productive land.
In 2051, 1.3 million New Zealanders will be over 65 years of age. Population projections predict significant increases in over-65s living in retirement homes and villages. Future housing for the retirement sector is included in HPUDS under Greenfield developments. And over the next few years through the HPUDS strategy a number of existing and new subdivisions for Greenfield housing across Hastings and Havelock North, will provide about 1315 new sections.
- Secure, long-term rentals are a normal practice in Europe. They give security of tenure and family stability as well as a sense of ownership. Such an option must be high on Central Government's agenda.
- About 120 Hastings families require social and emergency housing. Yet emergency housing is at capacity in Hastings. Although Government has committed to building this much needed resource, there are other ways central and local government as well as NGOs can collaborate to provide it. Such partnerships offer support for rental and lease-to-buy options which are the best solutions for these families.
Actually our goal for the community should be to eliminate the need for emergency housing completely.
Our hopes for a stable and prosperous community are deeply woven in each of us having a safe place to live. Every man, woman and child has the right to a place to call their home - one which is secure, dry and warm.
I intend to set up a forum to investigate and consider alternative, innovative, housing solutions.
For there is no question that happier, healthier people create a happier, healthier community.
Sandra Hazlehurst is a candidate for Hastings mayor in the upcoming byelection and is Acting Mayor of Hastings. All opinions are the writer's and not those of Hawke's Bay Today.
