Media Release
26 August 2008
EMBARGOED UNTIL 10AM

Labour Delivers On Commitment To Housing For Wellington

Today’s signing of $220million housing partnership between the Labour-led government and the Wellington City Council means that more than 4000 Wellingtonians will continue to have safe and healthy social housing, Grant Robertson, the Labour Candidate for Wellington Central said today.

“This is a true partnership. The Labour-led government is investing significant resources in ensuring that Wellingtonians in social housing have a better quality of life. The Council has agreed to re-invest rental income back in to its housing stock and to remain a social housing partner for at least 30 years. This is an historic day.” Grant said.

The Deed of Grant for the $220 million project was signed today by Housing Minister Maryan Street, Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast and Housing NZ Chair Pat Sneddon. The 20 year project will include insulating homes, improving ventilation, providing earthquake strengthening, upgrading kitchens and bathrooms and increasing the size of some units.

“Much of the Wellington City Council housing stock is outdated and not appropriate to the way people and families live their lives today. As a major social housing provider Wellington City Council has recognised this, and is committed to doing something about it. The Labour-led government has come on board, and today represents the honouring of that commitment.”

Apartment buildings in Wellington Central that will be upgraded in the first phase of the project include Central Park Apartments and Berkley Dallard Apartments. In the second phase the Arlington Tower and Whare Ahuru will be upgraded.

“Labour believes that quality housing is a vital component to the health and well-being of our whole population. Research shows that people who have better insulated, warmer homes are healthier, and children achieve better outcomes at school. That is why we have increased the number of state houses by nearly 8000, and why we are supporting Councils and community groups to provide social housing”. Grant said.

ENDS

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