Waikato to Gain 210+ New Social Homes Through Community Partnerships

Minister Potaka emphasized the importance of locally tailored solutions, acknowledging that community needs vary widely.

More than 210 new social homes are set to be delivered across the Waikato region by Community Housing Providers (CHPs), marking a significant milestone in the Government’s efforts to improve access to secure, affordable housing for those most in need. Housing Minister Chris Bishop and Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka announced the initiative, highlighting Waikato as a key region in the nationwide housing reset currently underway.

A Strategic Housing Push for Waikato

The new homes will be developed by experienced CHPs including Te Rūnanga o Kirikiriroa, The Salvation Army, Emerge Aotearoa, and Habitat for Humanity. These providers will work in conjunction with construction partners to deliver the bulk of homes by 2027, with some projects already completed. Fourteen homes in Huntington, Hamilton have already been delivered by Te Rūnanga o Kirikiriroa.

The homes will be located in Hamilton City, Te Awamutu, and Waharoa, strategically selected based on need and community demand. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has guided the regional allocation using data from the housing register and emergency housing usage trends.

Addressing the Most Pressing Housing Needs

A key focus of this programme is targeting the most undersupplied segments of the housing market—namely, one- and two-bedroom units. Over 90 percent of the planned homes fall into this category.

“Half of those waiting for a home nationally need a one-bedroom property, yet only 12 percent of Kāinga Ora stock meets that need,” Minister Bishop explained. “In Waikato, 80 percent of the housing register demand is for one- and two-bedroom places, so these new homes will make a real difference.”

This approach reflects a broader shift in government housing strategy: to deliver fit-for-purpose homes that match the real and evolving needs of communities—whether they be individuals, couples, or families.

National Context: 6,800 New Social Homes Since 2023

This local housing boost is part of a wider national strategy that has seen over 6,800 new net social homes delivered by CHPs and Kāinga Ora since November 2023. Out of those, 879 homes have been delivered in Waikato alone, underlining the region’s prioritization within the national housing agenda.

Additionally, the Government has committed funding for more than 2,000 additional homes to be delivered by CHPs across the country over the next two years. Waikato is prominently positioned within this housing pipeline.

Simplifying the System, Empowering Providers

The Government is not just expanding the number of social homes but also transforming how housing is funded and delivered. A major component of the reset includes:

• Simplification of the funding system, reducing red tape and allowing CHPs to focus on building rather than bureaucracy.

• The creation of a new loan guarantee scheme, which lowers borrowing costs for CHPs and enhances their ability to deliver.

• Stronger financial credibility, highlighted by the Community Housing Funding Agency receiving an A+ credit rating from S&P Global.

“We’re simplifying the funding system so providers can get on with building homes, instead of navigating a confusing web of overlapping funds. These Waikato projects are a good example of the progress being made,” said Minister Bishop.

Tailored, Local Solutions for Diverse Needs

Minister Potaka emphasized the importance of locally tailored solutions, acknowledging that community needs vary widely.

“Locals have different needs, and we’re committed to ensuring tailored housing options rather than a one-size-fits-all approach,” he said. “This includes affordable homes for individuals and couples to larger ones for whānau, supporting those priced out of the private rental market.”

The overarching goal is to ensure that every person—regardless of their background or circumstances—has access to a warm, dry, secure home, delivered through partnerships that bring together community insight, government support, and financial innovation.