A $10.3 million Government investment is expected to provide infrastructure allowing for up to 3000 new homes across multiple sites in Whangārei.
The funding comes from the Government's Infrastructure Acceleration Fund (IAF), a contestable pool of about $1 billion for projects that enable housing development.
The money will open up about 160 hectares of greenfield land, allowing 3000 new homes in Whangārei. Up to 1000 of these are expected to be delivered over the next 10-15 years, and the rest over a longer-term.
Megan Woods made the announcement alongside Prime Minister Chris Hipkins in Kerikeri. The pair are in Northland currently for Waitangi commemorations.
"The projects in Whangārei include a new bridge to replace a single-lane timber bridge in Kamo, which has stalled development plans to date, and a new roundabout on State Highway One with an arterial road and shared user path, connecting sites in Springs Flat with services, education and job opportunities," said Woods.
She said $58.9 million has so far been invested through the IAF into the North following previous investments for Kaikohe and Kawakawa. So far, 14 infrastructure projects have been supported by the IAF in Northland.
"Te Tai Tokerau is an area of high housing need, and we are pleased to be able to support more housing initiatives in the North," said Woods. "This includes investing in infrastructure, delivering more public homes, and providing more opportunities for affordable home ownership."
So far, $926.7 million in IAF funding has been committed to infrastructure projects in 28 cities and towns. The Government said these projects are expected to enable around 30,000 to 35,000 new homes for New Zealanders over the next 10 to 15 years.
The Government has also purchased a 3.279 hectare site in Kerikeri to enable 56 new homes to be built "adding a considerable supply of affordable homes in an area with a significant housing shortage".
“Kerikeri, like other parts of the region, has experienced rapid growth in recent years creating high housing need. This purchase provides a marvellous opportunity to do something significant to ramp up supply quickly, as it is one of very few development-ready sites within the Far North."
She said at least 30 percent of the site will be public housing or homes at "price points that are attainable for first home buyers".
The homes are expected to be delivered in early 2025.
“We are also announcing a second round of the Affordable Rental Pathway, which will now open to the whole of New Zealand, including Northland. It will offer $100 million in grant funding to not-for-profits to build new, affordable rentals.
“Rising rents and living costs have put whānau under great financial stress. This funding boost recognises the urgent need for more affordable, long-term rentals for people who can’t meet the cost of a market rent but can’t access, or don’t need, public housing."
