Housing Minister Chris Bishop officiates development.
The Kāinga Ora development of 134 homes in Epuni, Lower Hutt has officially opened. This new social housing provides much-needed accommodation for Hutt families. The project features a mix of one-bedroom apartments, accessible homes, and larger family dwellings to cater to different needs. A significant aspect of the development is the inclusion of 30 affordable homes in partnership with Urban Plus.
Housing Minister Chris Bishop has expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, highlighting that the site's proximity to train stations, bus routes, schools, and local shops makes it a sensible location for medium-density housing. He also praised the support from the local community, including Epuni School, Hutt City Council, and Tākiri Mai te Ata Whānau Ora Collective.
The development marks another step towards addressing New Zealand's housing crisis. According to Minister Bishop, last week's announcement of a 75% reduction in households in emergency housing motels within five years is a significant milestone. Additionally, the social housing waitlist has decreased by approximately 4,000 under this government.