Housing New Zealand voluntarily seeks consent notification of Maunu housing development in Whangarei

An artist's impression of what the new social housing development on Puriri Park Rd in Whangārei could look like when completed. Photo / Supplied

Housing New Zealand has decided to voluntarily seek notification of the resource consent application for its housing development in Maunu.

The organisation has previously revealed plans to build 37 homes on vacant land at 67-87 Puriri Park Rd, next to Puriri Park.

It was formerly Ministry of Education land which was purchased by Housing New Zealand last year.

Last month, about 200 residents fronted at a Whangārei District Council meeting seeking public notification of the resource consent.

After legal advice in regards to predetermination, the council did not revoke its staff's delegation to determine if a consent is publicly notifiable.

Housing New Zealand said the decision took into consideration the length of time the land in question has been vacant, leading to most of the local community mistakenly considering it to be a public park.

It said although it was confident its proposal is allowable under the Resource Management Act, seeking voluntary notification provides an efficient and effective pathway to a consent decision, and gives Housing New Zealand certainty around the timeframe for delivery of these much-needed homes.

In the statement, Housing New Zealand said Whangārei District Council will determine the timeframe for submissions, following the statutory process under the Resource Management Act, and make further announcements when it has received Housing New Zealand's application.

Council acting chief executive Simon Weston said: "When Whangārei District Council receives the application it will be processed as requested by Housing New Zealand, following the provisions in the Resource Management Act."

Lisa Dawson, who is a committee member on the newly formed Puriri Park and Maunu Residents Association Incorporated, said it was good news "but it is what we would have expected".

"It saves us unnecessary trouble and we can now focus on making submissions once consent has been lodged."

Housing New Zealand said it hoped to have an application with the council before Easter.