The Otago Housing Alliance recently invited all council candidates to share their views on housing. It’s a good opportunity to talk about what housing means for us here in Waitaki, and how council can play its part in making sure everyone has a warm, safe, and affordable place to live.
Council’s Role in Housing
I believe council has a real role to play in housing. Not as the only solution, but as an enabler, connector, and landlord of last resort for those who need it most. We already provide community housing for older residents on low incomes, and we need to plan for how this service can keep up with growing demand.
Housing decisions should be based on clear, local information. Waitaki is different to Queenstown or Dunedin. We need solutions that fit our communities, from Oamaru through to Palmerston, Kurow, and Hampden.
Safe and Healthy Homes
A big challenge is the condition of our older housing stock. Too many homes are cold, damp, and expensive to heat. Council can help by supporting retrofitting programmes, connecting residents to grants, and promoting good building practice. For new builds, our role is to make sure they meet national standards while keeping the consent process straightforward so houses get built efficiently.
Planning for the Long Term
Urban planning isn’t just about where houses go, it’s about ensuring they connect to schools, transport, healthcare, and jobs. Growth should pay for growth, which means working with developers and central government so new housing areas have the services people need.
Homelessness and Vulnerability
Homelessness in Waitaki is less visible than in bigger centres, but it still exists. Whether it’s families in temporary motels, young people falling through the cracks, or individuals living in cars, we can’t ignore it. Council’s role is to back local providers, like Fale Pasifika and Women’s Refuge, with land-use settings and practical support so they can provide transitional housing and wraparound care.
Specific Actions I Support
- Locally: Identifying council-owned land that could be used for affordable housing partnerships with Kāinga Ora or Community Housing Providers.
- Nationally: Advocating for the Income-Related Rent Subsidy (IRRS) to be extended to council-owned housing, so our tenants have the same access to affordable rents as those in other housing.
Housing and Jobs: Linked Together
A large portion of council housing serves the elderly, which doesn’t directly tie into job creation. But building, upgrading, and maintaining these homes stimulates the construction industry, supports supply chains, and creates opportunities for apprentices and young tradespeople. In this way, housing and employment strengthen each other. Better housing means healthier communities, and a stronger economy means more people can afford good housing.
Closing Thought
Housing is about dignity, stability, and opportunity. Everyone deserves access to a warm home and healthy kai. I believe in public-private partnerships working together to deliver better social outcomes, and I’ll keep listening and learning from those who work in housing every day. Together, we can make progress for Waitaki.
Medium-density inspired housing – encouraging diverse and healthy homes for our growing community. Source: Waitaki District Council’s Medium-Density Residential Zones imagery.