With all 18 of the new state homes on Masterton’s Iorns St North now filled, at least 74 more units have been identified by Kāinga Ora for potential development for the region’s state housing stock.
The Iorns St North development was officially opened at the end of July, marking the first state homes in Wairarapa since the existing stock was sold to Trust House in 1999.
As the end of the year inches closer, Kāinga Ora Wellington regional director Vicki McLaren said the occupants are loving their new homes.
“We are working closely with them and [social housing service] Emerge to develop plans for the green space in the centre of the development.”
The next development due to be completed includes 12 houses on Masterton’s George St, with 11 units set to be completed ahead of schedule early next year.
McLaren said the 12th property will be completed shortly after the rest.
“We are currently working alongside ACC to ensure it is fully accessible prior to the new family moving in.”
In Masterton, further units on Oxford St, Kuripuni St, High St, and Worksop Rd have been identified and noted as “developments in progress”, with the potential to provide up to 33 more units.
McLaren said the recent acquisition of 66 Woodward St in Featherston was much needed, as the site has the potential to provide up to nine more homes in the area.
Another site with potential for social housing in Featherston has been identified on Fitzherbert St, which has 11 units.
McLaren added that a site on Carterton’s High St with five total units, and a site on Greytown’s East St with four units are also in the development stage.
There are also sites in Woodville and Greytown, which McLaren said are both still in the early stages of development.
According to Kāinga Ora’s housing register for September, there are 141 people on the list needing social housing in Masterton, 24 in Carterton, and 24 in South Wairarapa
Of those, there are 138 people in Masterton, 21 in Carterton and 24 in South Wairarapa who are registered as priority A, which includes households with a “severe and persistent housing need” and means the applicant is considered at risk.
