Guiding principles and goals

Background

Having a place to live is one of the most basic human needs. Unfortunately for some, it is a need that is getting harder and harder to fulfil. For this reason, Taupō District Council is working on a draft Housing Strategy and is now seeking feedback from the community.

The Taupō District’s population has grown by 18 percent since 2013, and for a range of reasons housing supply has not kept up with this growth. The district is now faced with a situation where suitable housing is not accessible for everyone, particularly those on lower incomes.

The draft Housing Strategy proposes some guiding principles and sets out what Council’s role should be. It includes four high-level goals and five areas where Council thinks it should focus its efforts.

Council intends to adopt a housing strategy that:

• Identifies the key housing issues and opportunities in Taupō District.
• Provides a strategic housing framework for Taupō District.
• Clarifies Taupō District Council’s role in housing.
• Recognises housing complexities and interrelationships.

PRINCIPLE 1: WE WILL SHOW LEADERSHIP THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS & ADVOCACY

The Council has an important role in leading and contributing to change in the housing space, however solving housing issues requires multiple agencies. Working with central government and community partners is critical to ensuring we can achieve the outcomes of this strategy. We will continue to build on existing partnerships and create new partnerships to ensure there is a coordinated approach across the housing sector. Where other agencies are better placed to deliver, we will support them.

PRINCIPLE 2: WE WILL FOCUS ON LOCALLY BASED SOLUTIONS

Our focus will be on local solutions that meet the needs of our district. We will act as facilitator to bring together the local parties who can contribute to housing development, both at the community and commercial level. We will work with central government, iwi, and relevant agencies to co-design solutions and initiatives for the Taupō District. When Council is acting as a developer, we will use the skills, capabilities, and resources of the community and business sector to the greatest extent possible.

PRINCIPLE 3: WE WILL MAKE EVIDENCE-BASED DECISIONS

We will produce consistent information and robust data, and ensure it is considered in all Council decisions that impact housing. Given the volatility in the housing market over time, we will also take a long-term planning approach when making decisions.

PRINCIPLE 4: WE WILL HONOUR TE TIRITI O WAITANGI

Council is committed to honouring the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi / The Treaty of Waitangi through our relationships with our iwi partners, hapū, and mana whenua within the Taupō District. This includes addressing housing needs for Māori and further enabling housing diversity including traditional housing options such as papakāinga.

GOAL 1: MORE AVAILABILITY AND CHOICE OF HOUSING

• A sufficient supply of affordable housing (rental and owner-occupied) to meet demand, across the district.
• Sufficient social housing to meet local demand.
• The most vulnerable members of society are housed safely, fewer people are living in motels and the need for emergency and transitional housing has been significantly reduced.
• There are effective partnerships across sectors, and between organisations delivering housing solutions
• Community housing providers are active in the district.

GOAL 2: HOMES ARE WARM, HEALTHY, AND SUSTAINABLE

• Outcomes we want to see:
• More homes are safe* and secure**
• More homes are warm, dry, and energy-efficient
• No families living in unhealthy housing
• People are supported to maintain their homes to healthy standards

*Safe housing means a dwelling in a condition that is decent, safe and sanitary and one for which all applicable and appropriate building standards are complied with.

**Affordable, accessible, of good quality and stable tenure.

GOAL 3: OUR HOMES MEET THE DIVERSE NEEDS OF OUR COMMUNITIES

Outcomes we want to see:

• More housing for elderly and people with disabilities
• More papakāinga enabled
• More Māori land developed for housing
• More homes are universally designed.

GOAL 4: OUR HOUSING CONTRIBUTES TO CONNECTED AND INTEGRATED COMMUNITIES

Outcomes we want to see:

• Housing supports connected communities and better placemaking.
• Housing is appropriately located and supports the wellbeing of our communities.
• Affordable and social housing is not concentrated in one neighbourhood.
• Suitable infrastructure exists to keep up with the growth.
• Sufficient open space and community green space to support increasing residential density.