About us
Chief Executive's Introduction
- Dr Lesley McTurk
It is essential for public sector agencies to look at ways of working smarter, working together, sharing ideas and finding innovative solutions.
The Corporation is playing its part. We recognise we have a role to play in supporting New Zealand's economic recovery by maximising the economic impact of our operations, and expanding the reach and effectiveness of our services in a time of increasing need.
The Corporation's continued focus on value for money spending will contribute to multiple government outcomes through housing and housing-related services.
In February 2009, the Corporation received $124.5 million of additional funding from the Government's fiscal stimulus package to spend on state housing over an 18-month period to July 2010. The money is being used by the Corporation to build new state homes and improve existing ones across the country by making them warmer, drier and healthier.
An immediate challenge for the Corporation from the slowing economy is that the waiting list is expected to increase. This is particularly an issue in Auckland.
The Corporation is responding to this challenge through the development of a Housing Options and Advice Service and through its Housing Pathways Strategy. The Housing Pathways approach involves working with applicants, tenants and others, and recognises that while people find themselves in need of social housing, changing life circumstances may affect their housing options and choices over time. This approach maximises both applicant and tenant outcomes, and the Corporation's ability to house those in the greatest need.
Increasing the supply of affordable housing is another Government priority. The Corporation is working across Government on new initiatives, including the Gateway Housing Initiative, and the ambitious Tamaki Transformation Programme.
As we develop these initiatives, we are mindful of the needs and home ownership aspirations of our Māori and Pacific peoples tenants. Thirty-six percent of our tenants identify as Māori, and 25 percent as Pacific peoples. In Auckland, where many Pacific peoples and Māori tenants live, home ownership is projected to drop to 58 percent by 2016. Home ownership is lower for Māori (43 percent) and Pacific peoples (34 percent). The Corporation's Housing Strategy for Pacific Peoples and our Māori Work Programme respond to these issues.
An important aspect of our work is helping people to sustain tenancies and address tenant behaviour. Our new policy on Encouraging Good Neighbour Behaviour supports staff in their management of more than 69,000 tenancies. We are telling tenants what our expectations are in regard to their property, their neighbours and the consequences of anti-social behaviour. After all, our purpose in providing the benefit of a state house is to help people "manage their own circumstances and contribute to community life". We work actively with other agencies to help our tenants achieve this.
A well-performing, focused public sector is critical to helping New Zealand move forward. This Statement of Intent has been developed in consultation with the Minister of Housing and the priorities identified are consistent with the policies and performance expectations of the Government. By making the investments it has, the Government has entrusted the Corporation with a major responsibility over the next year. We intend to fulfil it.
Dr Lesley McTurk
Chief Executive
