About us
Chair's Foreword
- Pat Snedden
The Corporation manages a portfolio of more than 69,000 houses, currently valued at $15.1 billion. How we manage this multi-billion dollar asset in the current economic climate will have to change.
In the past, growing the housing portfolio has been the Corporation's top priority, resulting in fewer upgrades of Corporation houses. The focus now is on improving the housing portfolio by upgrading state houses to a modest but modern level of amenity.
Deteriorating economic conditions and rising unemployment will lead to increased demand for Corporation housing from those in the greatest need, who will struggle to find suitable housing in the private sector. This means better utilisation of our housing portfolio is also a priority.
For those on waiting lists and others seeking assistance from the Corporation, a Housing Options and Advice Service to be developed this year will provide access to a wider suite of public and private sector housing options. Existing Corporation tenants who could access other renting or buying opportunities will also be offered this advice. This will free up state houses for families in greater need.
The opportunity for some Corporation tenants to buy the homes they rent will be made available this year. This not only encourages better utilisation of assets but gives those who no longer need a state home another pathway to independence. The funds earned from these sales will be reinvested in buying or leasing state homes in areas of need.
Increasing housing supply and creating affordable options for first-home buyers are also Government priorities. The Corporation's subsidiary, the Hobsonville Land Company, is continuing the development of the greenfields site in west Auckland that will ultimately provide 3,000 new homes.
In October 2009, earthworks are scheduled to begin at the first of six precincts planned for Hobsonville.
The need for the Corporation to do things differently also extends to changing our approach to working with communities. Successful redevelopment of communities can reduce state housing concentrations, and facilitate blended communities with a mix of incomes and housing tenures.
The Tamaki Transformation Programme in Auckland demonstrates this. The programme involves redeveloping state housing in the Tamaki area (Glen Innes, Point England and Panmure) and providing affordable housing for rent and home ownership options. It is supported by an interagency approach aimed at improving social and economic outcomes for Tamaki residents.
Tamaki represents the way of the future as we all strive to make the most of our resources. I look forward to the Corporation delivering on this Statement of Intent.
Pat Snedden
Chair
