Minnie Ratima, at her former home of 12 years with niece Clammal Karangaroa, from which they were evicted last year by Housing New Zealand because it was an earthquake hazard. Photo / Duncan Brown
Minnie Ratima, at her former home of 12 years with niece Clammal Karangaroa, from which they were evicted last year by Housing New Zealand because it was an earthquake hazard. Photo / Duncan Brown
Despite being born and evicted from state houses due to be demolished in Maraenui, Minnie Ratima said the demolition and urban renewal will "be like a breath of fresh air".
Housing New Zealand wrote to the Napier suburb's residents last week, saying it had no plans for the vacant spacethe demolition would create and wanted the community to have input into its use.
Ms Ratima, chairwoman of community group, Tu Tangata Maraenui Trust, said "a blank canvas to draw on [was] very exciting".
"The houses are an eyesore," she said.
"We are attached to these homes but we would rather see them gone than vandalised more."
Housing NZ's 34 per cent ownership of Maraenui houses was too high, she said.
"We like the idea of being able to buy and build, we also like the idea of more green space and we would like to talk about using one of the empty sections as a community garden."
The trust already operates the successful Mokonui Gardens out of a back garden but she said it was too small.
"We don't want to feed everyone, we want people to replicate it."
The community wanted to move forward.
"People deserve to be in mixed housing; the high state house percentage limits Maraenui's potential to grow."
Of 28 local people she had spoken to about the redevelopment, only two objected.
"It is going to be like a breath of fresh air having the houses gone and replaced."
New Housing New Zealand Maraenui homes have been praised by their tenants, used to the former style of housing show in the background. Photo / Glenn Taylor
The letter to residents said the 33 buildings were "old and no longer fit for purpose".
Last year the then-asset portfolio group general manager Sean Bignell said 18 buildings were earthquake prone, with the land to be grassed over after demolition pending decisions on future use.
Housing NZ's Jackie Pivac said options included working with with local developers to create a mix of housing, provide affordable home ownership opportunities and selling land for more social housing.
"We know that the local community and other agencies want to see a greater mix of housing in Maraenui, and we support that vision. We're excited about the possibilities, and will be engaging fully with the community on options for the future regeneration of Maraenui."
Napier Mayor Bill Dalton said it was "a fantastic opportunity to create something very special".
"An opportunity to re-launch a suburb and community doesn't come along very often and I am excited by the possibilities. With all parties and agencies determined not to repeat the errors of the past, the future of Maraenui looks bright."
Napier City Council CEO Wayne Jack said it could become a template for other areas of social housing in Hawke's Bay.
Police area commander, inspector Tania Kura, said police were pleased to see the area being developed "in a consultative and inclusive way".
"Empty houses traditionally attract vandals and criminals, so we are pleased to hear the area is being redeveloped. This will hopefully see a decrease in crime in the Maraenui area, which makes for a safer community all around."
