Council receives report on housing for older persons

Published on 27 June 2023

Whanganui District Council has commissioned a report on its current housing stock for older persons – to identify shortcomings in the portfolio and future-proof it to respond to anticipated future demand.

The report, written by property strategists, Turley & Co, was shared with the council’s Strategy and Policy Committee on Tuesday, 27 June.

Committee chair, Cr Kate Joblin, says the council currently has 275 units for older persons. She says, “The report indicates the need for council-provided community housing for older residents is likely to be up to 470 units by 2050.”

In recent years there has been a shortage of housing in Whanganui. Kate Joblin says, “Our recent population growth has put considerable pressure on our housing stock, particularly for the more vulnerable people in our community.”

Whanganui’s population is expected to grow by seven percent to 51,900, with people over 65 expected to increase from 21.5 percent to 30 percent by 2048.

There are currently 10 on the council’s housing waitlist with another eight applications underway. There is a vacancy in a disability unit and four units are not in use due to land instability issues.

Kate Joblin says the housing stock was evaluated as part of the review. “The 16 complexes that make up the portfolio were constructed between 1946 and 1988,” she says. “The condition of these homes is diminishing and they don’t meet modern standards - or the particular needs of older people.

“A substantial, staged and strategic approach will be needed to respond to these findings. 

“The report recommends the council looks at partnerships with community organisations, Iwi or other registered housing providers to roll out a development programme along with wrap-around services and support,” she says.  

“It also contains a number of recommendations around housing models, using modern materials and technologies and ways the council can best manage or replace these assets, including partnership with a registered Community Housing Provider to help with funding.

“It’s certainly valuable to have a report that takes a 30-year view of our housing stock and future needs,” says Kate Joblin.

“These options and opportunities will need to be considered by the council across successive long-term plans.”