NEW STATE HOUSES: An example of the type of state house Housing NZ are proposing to build in Nelson. Photo: Supplied.

Demand rises for state homes

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Nelson city will get seven new state houses as figures show that demand has more than quadrupled in the last two years.

Housing and Urban Development Minister Phil Twyford announced that 155 new state houses will be built in 15 regional centres by the middle of this year.

Seven of these are tagged for Nelson.

“This is the first step in building more new homes to help those most in need in our regions. In total, it will build more than 270 bedrooms for individuals or families in the areas where they are needed most.

Figures from the Ministry of Social Development show that demand for state housing has skyrocketed in recent years. In December 2015 there were 17 people on the social housing register but in December last year this had grown to 78 people.

Rachel Boyack, who ran for Labour in Nelson during the last general election, says the announcement shows that the Government is serious about alleviating housing issues in the region.

“We have had a big population increase and now there are lots of people who are desperate for houses.”

Housing NZ will build the new state houses, which will be modern, warm and dry, on its vacant land and on its larger properties. They will mostly consist of one or two-bedroom homes, with some larger homes. They will be low maintenance, fully insulated, and have carpets, curtains and double glazing.

Work will begin on the houses this month and it’s expected that people will start moving in from mid-2018.