The government has launched a plan to help build social housing faster.
By giving more power to experienced housing providers, the plan aims to reduce delays and get homes built quickly. Officials shared the new strategy during an event in Hamilton.
Instead of creating a contract for each building project, the government will now give selected Community Housing Providers (CHPs) one contract to cover many homes. This new method allows CHPs to plan better, move faster, and avoid unnecessary steps.
New Homes Backed by Budget 2024
This plan supports the government’s goal of delivering 1,500 new social homes. The homes are backed by $140 million from Budget 2024. So far, 500 homes are already in progress. Of those, 218 were approved through a program called “Maintaining Momentum.
That program helped move things along, but each new project still needed separate approval. The new model—called Strategic Partnerships—solves that problem.
Strategic Partnerships: A Smarter Way to Build
Under this new model, CHPs will get clear targets for the number of homes to build and deadlines to meet. They can build more freely, as long as they meet important goals like building in the right areas and keeping costs down. This shift means providers can spend more time on construction and less time on paperwork.
Housing Minister Chris Bishop said the plan gives CHPs the freedom they need to deliver results. With fewer delays and more trust in the hands of local experts, homes can be built faster and more efficiently.
Trusted Providers Lead the Way
Five trusted CHPs have been selected to take part. These include:
-
Accessible Properties New Zealand
-
Community of Refuge Trust (CORT)
-
Emerge Aotearoa Housing Trust
-
Te Āhuru Mōwai
-
The Salvation Army
They were chosen based on their past success in building and managing social homes. These providers already know how to meet high standards, and they are ready to deliver.
Building for Real Needs
This new model also makes sure homes match what people actually need. Associate Minister Tama Potaka explained that 46% of the homes will be one-bedroom units. Another 38% will have two bedrooms. These numbers match the rising demand for smaller homes across the country.
Targeted Locations for Faster Impact
The homes are going where they are needed most. The plan includes:
-
23% in Waikato
-
21% in Auckland
-
15% in Nelson
-
14% in the Bay of Plenty
-
The rest in other key areas
Some homes will be ready within a few months. All 1,500 are expected to be finished by June 2027.
A Step Toward Real Solutions
This new model may not fix every housing issue right away, but it’s a clear step forward. By cutting delays and trusting experts to lead the way, the government hopes to get more people into safe, affordable homes—sooner rather than later.
