New Kāinga Ora housing on the horizon for Nelson

Nelson is set to get more public housing to help meet the urgent and growing need for homes in the community.

Kāinga Ora announced its plans for a series of developments to help individuals, families and couples get into homes over the coming years.

The proposal included replacement of a number of existing homes, some of which are 70 to 80 years old, across a number of sites in Nelson South.

At least eight sites have been chosen across the area, with one site formerly being home to a 1890s era homestead that had recently been moved to Moutere.

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At least 49 new homes were on the proposal to be built in Nelson South around Tipahi St, Campbell St and Boundary Rd, including a 29-unit apartment development at 125 Waimea Rd.

The homes were pitched to be modern, warm and dry, with more homes in the early planning and investigation stage.

They would be fully insulated with carpets, curtains, double glazing, and designed with sustainability and energy efficiency in mind.

Once built, the homes would be allocated to families who need long-term homes, with those in the greatest need being given priority.

With more than 260 people on the public housing register in the city, Kāinga Ora’s Marlborough and West Coast regional director Nelson Julia Campbell said the homes would help to address some of the urgent need for housing in Nelson.

“With Nelson being one of the most unaffordable places to live in the country, we know finding homes is very challenging for many people,” Campbell said.

“This is an opportunity to replace many of our outdated homes that are on large sections with more modern houses that better meet the needs of our customers today.

“It’s also an opportunity to build more homes for people in need in a great location that is close to schools, recreational facilities and other amenities.”

Campbell said the planning was at different stages across the chosen sites, and the details of these homes and time frames could change as work progressed.

To help residents understand the upcoming developments in their neighbourhoods, Kāinga Ora held drop-in sessions, Campbell said.

“The plans for many of these sites are still in their very early stages, so we don’t have confirmed details and time frames for all of them.

“However, we’re committed to keeping neighbours and the wider community informed as we know more.”