Public housing for Asian seniors opens in Auckland suburb Panmure

  • 28/03/2018
Minister for Ethnic Communities Jenny Salesa.
Minister for Ethnic Communities Jenny Salesa. Photo credit: Labour Party

A housing development specifically designed for Asian seniors is set to open on Wednesday in the Auckland suburb of Panmure.

Thirty-six public housing units have been built by the Chinese New Settlers Trust (CNSST), Ethnic Communities and Associate Housing and Urban Development Minister Jenny Salesa says. 

The trust has worked in partnership with the Ministry of Social Development along with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).

Ms Salesa says the CNSST Kotuku House will house Asian seniors that face a number of social issues, including isolation, safety concerns and a lack of independent living options. 

"As the number of New Zealanders aged over 65 continues to rise, developments such as these will be increasingly in demand," she said. 

While the government is committed to increasing the supply of long-term public housing, it cannot do it alone, Ms Salesa said. 

"Working closely in partnership with our Community Housing Providers, such as the CNSST, will be critical in achieving our goals."

MBIE's Social Housing Fund contributed funding of more than $5.2 million for the project.

Newshub.