5 August 2024

Media: Rotorua Daily Post

Topic: Affordable rental housing

Enquiry

I am just messaging to request comment for an article I am writing about affordable housing in the Bay of Plenty.

A report released through Child Action Poverty Group, done by Researcher Greg Waite, has found significant declines in affordable rentals for low-income working families in 12 out of 16 regions between 2018 and 2023.

They found that the decline of access to affordable housing in the Bay of Plenty was -11% - one of the highest regions to experience the limit in access to affordable homes.

Could I please request comment from the Lakes council about why this has occurred in the region and what the council are doing to balance out low-access homes for those who need it.

Are there enough new affordable homes to keep up with population changes in Rotorua?

Are those homes affordable for middle-income families and low-income families?

Are we replacing affordable old homes with high-end redevelopment in Rotorua?

Is more social housing needed as private affordability declines in Rotorua?

Response

We suggested the reporter speak in the first instance with organisations with expertise in the rental market.