A recent report showed Porirua as the most expensive city in New Zealand to rent. Some media were surprised by the findings. I wasn’t.
The exorbitant cost of rentals comes up in conversation with Porirua residents on a daily basis.There just aren’t enough homes to meet demand, and the cost of rent is a huge burden on many families. As a percentage of household income, it’s way out of whack.
Porirua is a desirable location – adjacent to Wellington, great amenities, better weather, and fabulous harbour. No wonder people are lining up to move here. But the Government needs to act to get rents under control so locals can afford to stay.
When it comes to social housing, there’s construction in Porirua East – but it’s in the dozens when it needs to be hundreds, if not more.
We need to get families into affordable homes on a zero deposit/rent to own basis, possibly through a creative approach to leasehold land to keep costs down. That creates attractive neighbourhoods and a sense of community. It’s also why Porirua locals should be prioritised.
The Government isn’t the only major provider. Ngāti Toa is emerging as a key player locally, owning and building a growing stock of homes, with some visionary ideas on addressing long-term supply and affordability. We need to work closely with iwi, and new Mana MP Barbara Edmonds.
Private landlords will continue to play a big role. I see far too many rentals in a sad state of disrepair, so we need ways to lift standards and properly enforce them.
More people than ever are renting, and many will never get the chance to own. We can’t keep treating them like second-class citizens.
Most landlords are making good returns in today’s climate. It’s not too much to expect them to keep their properties warm, dry and safe.
10 Nov 2020
