Housing  |  21 Oct 2021

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Christchurch City Council is exploring a new approach with its Christchurch Housing Initiative funding after running into regulatory barriers with the existing project.

A report will go to the Council’s Sustainability and Community Resilience Committee on Wednesday 27 October seeking to end the existing Deed of Participation with Habitat for Humanity and instead redirect the funds into an initiative for affordable leasehold housing on Council land.

Another suggestion put forward in the report is to release up to $2 million of the Christchurch Housing Initiative funds as grant funding for affordable housing projects through Community Housing Providers, accredited as Progressive Home Ownership providers.

The Christchurch Housing Initiative, Te Whāriki tū-ā-Rongo, was first established in August 2017 and the Deed of Participation commenced between the Council, Habitat for Humanity, and the Covenant Trustee Services in September 2019. The Initiative is jointly funded by the Government and Christchurch City Council, with each contributing $3 million.

Head of Strategic Policy Emma Davis says the Council is continuing to work with Habitat for Humanity and other partners to explore alternative shared equity housing solutions.

“The Council and Habitat for Humanity are now looking to create affordable leasehold housing on Council-owned land at Carey Street in Somerfield. The regulatory issues have prompted us to look at this new approach that will help Ōtautahi-Christchurch families on a modest income to acquire their own homes.”

Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust are leading the overall development of 35 units, and are supportive of mixed tenure housing including leasehold.

Initial scoping for the project is currently being worked through. If the new approach is determined to be feasible, development would start in late 2022.