24 | Habitat for Humanity: Maunu Road T T Karen Phelps More senior housing for Whangārei The $11 million project will comprise 26 one-bedroom units, each with dedicated parking and communal spaces. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Habitat for Humanity has begun construction on a new affordable housing development at 469 State Highway 14, Maunu, aimed at meeting the urgent need for accessible homes for older adults in Whangārei. The $11 million project will comprise 26 one-bedroom units, each with dedicated parking and communal spaces designed to foster social connections among residents. “This project will not only begin to address the clear need for more senior housing in the region but also strives to set a new design and liveability benchmark,” says Conrad LaPointe, Chief Executive Officer of Habitat for Humanity Northern Region. “The focus of the entire 26-unit development will be on residents aged 55 and over, ensuring the homes are tailored to support independent living and that acknowledges the unique setting of the land and the surrounding community.” Eight of the units will be purchased by Whangārei District Council for older adults currently on its pensioner housing register. These units will then be leased back to Habitat to manage, with rents capped at 25% of residents’ income. The design adheres to Lifemark 4 and 5 standards, which ensure homes are fully accessible and age-friendly, accommodating residents with significant mobility requirements. Communal spaces are included to encourage interaction, outdoor living and promoting social wellbeing alongside safety and comfort. The development builds on Habitat for Humanity’s long-standing charitable work in New Zealand. Over the past 33 years, across New Zealand and the Pacific region, Habitat has supported access to safe, healthy and affordable housing. Its projects span the housing spectrum including affordable home ownership, affordable rentals, public housing and an extensive array of home repair programmes. “We have a number of different developments underway across the country, all focused on enabling more affordable housing. It’s all built on local partnerships and ensuring that we are meeting a locally defined need.” For example, in Te Tai Tokerau (Northland) Habitat for Humanity is preparing to build a first-of-its-kind teen parent unit in Kaikohe, in partnership with Ngāpuhi Iwi Social Service (NISS) and Hiwa-i-te-rangi Northland College Teen Parent Unit, providing safe and affordable homes for young mothers who wish to continue attending college. “There is very little accommodation of this type available in New Zealand and nothing locally. This development will hopefully begin to address a very specific housing need for teen parents in Te Tai Tokerau,” says Conrad. Proud contractors and supporters of Habitat for Humanity www.robinsonasphalts.co.nz
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