Discussions are underway between Te Pare Kauika and Ngai Tahu to develop the Newfield Park Reserve into a $14.4 million community housing development.

Previously known as the Southern Collective, the company creates whānau-led solutions for the people of Southland.

Janice Lee wrote to council informing the ICC of the group’s vision, and also made a presentation to councillors today (Tuesday June 25).

Describing it as “unique and innovative,” Janice said the papakāinga housing development would be seen as a pilot for the rest of country, bringing together elderly whanau and also those needing supported living, into a community hub.

Newfield Park Reserve was listed as a Crown Reserve, with Residential 1 zoning in line with the surrounding area of primarily residential dwellings. 

Ngāi Tahu has a registered interest in the whenua under Part 9 of the Ngāi Tahu Claims Settlement Act, and Te Pare Kauika was currently in discussions with them regarding a potential partnership. 

The intent was to develop the site with up to 22 residential buildings, a community hub, communal facilities, off-street parking, secure storage and a reception/administration office.

Janice said the group’s priority focused on housing, health, alternative learning and inclusive communities advancement. 

The vision for the papakāinga housing development in the city, was motivated by a current shortage of sufficient suitable housing to meet current and future projected needs.

Te Kāwai is a private initiative that will complement the city councils’ strategic objectives in respect of its Elderly Persons Housing Activity Management Plan, integrated into the ICCs Long-Term Plan. 

Statistics also showed that almost one in five households in Murihiku had someone living with a disability, and there was a shortage of supported Independent living accommodation - especially for rangatahi seeking to transition from the family home into independent living in community.

Janice said there are more than 20 young people listed as seeking that type of supported living just in Invercargill.

The proposed Te Kāwai papakāinga development was expected to provide accommodation for up to 40 residents. 

Ten three-bedroom, shared occupancy homes for Tangata Whaikaha, two two-bedroom whānau accommodation, and 10 two-bedroom homes for Kaumātua. 

Owned and operated by the Te Kāwai Trust, kaumātua will purchase a right to Inhabit arrangement from the trust and make weekly tenancy payments to secure their residency. 

Tangata Whaikaha will rent rooms directly from the trust in a shared accommodation scenario.

The group was next meeting with Ngai Tahu in July to progress the project forward.

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