NZ Urban Development news from the media | 5 November 2024 | Affordable housing project supporting home ownership

Affordable housing project supporting home ownership

Up to 300 affordable, healthy, community-tailored homes helping to support home ownership are set to be built in eastern Porirua, supported by Government funding for Our Whare Our Fale through the Building Homes for Pacific in Porirua initiative, Minister for Pacific Peoples Dr Shane Reti and Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka say.

The blessing of the whenua and the groundbreaking ceremony took place today in Cannons Creek, with attendees from Pasefika communities, government, and members of local iwi Ngāti Toa Rangatira and Central Pacific Collective (CPC).

“This is a fantastic initiative that is helping address housing needs in our communities,” Dr Reti says.

“I am pleased that it’s achieving this in a way that transcends just providing housing, through designs that will strengthen communities and an initiative that will help people to purchase homes,” adds Mr Potaka.

https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/affordable-housing-project-supporting-home-ownership

Commerce Commission takes GIB manufacturer Winstone Wallboards to court alleging anti-competitive conduct 

The Commerce Commission has filed court proceedings against GIB manufacturer Winstone Wallboards, alleging anti-competitive conduct in its use of retroactive tiered rebates in plasterboard supply agreements with building supplies merchants over a six-year period.

Winstone Wallboards is a subsidiary of Fletcher Building. 

"...we allege Winstone used retroactive rebates to damage competition, ultimately leading to consumers paying higher prices," Commerce Commission Chairman John Small says.

Fletcher Building says Winstone Wallboards intends to "vigorously defend" the Commerce Commission’s proceedings, filed in the Auckland High Court, adding they could "take some time to resolve."
 

https://www.interest.co.nz/property/130537/commerce-commission-takes-gib-manufacturer-winstone-wallboards-court-alleging-anti

Controversial Plimmerton Farm project granted resource consent

A controversial housing development north of Wellington has been granted resource consent.

The Plimmerton Farm project in Porirua seeks to build 2400 new homes in addition to a commercial area, retirement village, and school.

It has been widely criticised by environmental groups amid concerns about runoff into the wetland, known as Taupō Swamp.

The project - earmarked by the Labour government for fast-track consenting under the Covid-19 Recovery legislation - received the green light to be included in the new Fast-Track Approvals Bill last month.

At the time Porirua mayor Anita Baker, a longtime advocate for the the project, said the region was in desperate need of more homes, and was confident the checks and balances to protect the wetland would be sufficient.

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/532576/controversial-plimmerton-farm-project-granted-resource-consent

📰 Subscribe to this newsletter 📰

📒 Check out our complementary practice notes 📒

🏡🚀 Exciting News! Introducing priceHome app: Test Your Auckland Property Market Knowledge! 🚀🏡