Group seeks help to tackle affordable housing issues

January 6th, 2012

A group led by the St Andrews Uniting Church is seeking expressions of interest from residents and organisations in a community-led development to address the undersupply of "affordable housing" in Motueka.

The work, being done in conjunction with the Department of Internal Affairs Nelson, is the first outcome from the questionnaire carried out by Bruce Reid's Community Issues Class at Motueka High School, reported here, which identified more affordable housing as one of the five main things that need improving in our community.

The questionnaire on community needs arose when the Uniting Parish decided to ask the people of Motueka to identify community strengths and weaknesses, Rev Peter Norman says, "on the premise that, in the future, communities in this country will need to be more self-sustaining. The data gathered would then be used to begin a community-led development process."

The questionnaire sought responses on which groups of our community are adequately provided for and what are the future requirements in regards to facilities, law and order, jobs etc.

"Around 65% of those surveyed were either unsure or did not believe disadvantaged families or the unemployed were adequately looked after," Peter says. "When asked to prioritise five facilities that needed improvement, nearly 50% said jobs, and close behind this youth venues, parks, cycle and walkways and affordable housing.

"Overall the results indicated a high level of concern for the, unemployed, disadvantaged, youth, and seasonal workers. It was decided by the church's Community Needs working party that the next step in this process would be further inquiry into the affordable housing situation in Motueka."

Overseeing the project is Community Operations Advisor for Department of Internal Affairs Nelson, Shane Graham. He is currently obtaining up-to-date data on land opportunities and statistics surrounding this issue. Members of the Uniting Parish working group are initiating discussions with individuals and community groups to inform and elicit feedback.

Peter has written to many of Motueka's leading people and community groups to ask for expressions of interest, but wants to make the invitation open to anyone who would like to help in some way. Expressions of interest or comments can be emailed to .

"It is anticipated that any further data gathered be analysed at a meeting in February, to be confirmed, and recommendations on the next phase be made," he says. "If there is enough interest in this initiative, a Charitable Trust will be set up.

"We invite you to be part of this and hope that your group or organisation will respond to this initial contact, with an indication of your support and interest, and availability for a meeting in February."

He says this is just the first of a range of community-led developments that the working group intends to tackle over time.

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