Innovative concepts and collaborative action can solve Auckland’s housing crisis.

Auckland, 4th September 2017: Establishing an independent not for profit organisation, tasked with solving the City’s housing woes is crucial - and just one of the key actions identified in the first Auckland Housing Summit report released today.

A wide range of innovative concepts were presented in the report but it was clear that all sectors identified the need for a comprehensive approach and a plan with targets and accountabilities. Better quality data, clear benchmarking and reporting shared amongst everyone involved, was also vital to ensure key initiatives were on track.

The report highlights the importance of “a central vision” and engaging all Aucklanders on the journey to fix the issue.

The Auckland Housing Summit, held at the beginning of August, is the initiative of a voluntary group of concerned Aucklanders who want to ensure immediate action in addressing the housing crisis. Led by 2017 Women of Influence finalist and Housing Strategist Leonie Freeman, the summit called for collective action and innovative thinking, following the launch of her philanthropic strategy to solve Auckland’s housing crisis late last year.

Chief Human Rights Commissioner David Rutherford, addressed the 130 participants by acknowledging the basic rights of every New Zealander to housing.

“Our Governments accept that international human rights obligations must be considered when drafting legislation, regulations and policy. To obey the rule of law is to meet those obligations. Our Governments have promised for decades to respect, protect and fulfil our human rights in New Zealand,” said Mr Rutherford,

“What we seem to have forgotten here in New Zealand, is that the human rights obligation of the State to fulfil the right to adequate housing is not owned by any political party. Housing has become a political football - a way to score points and curry favour, an ‘us and them’ conversation.”

The Summit marked the first step in a collective call to Aucklanders, to connect and brainstorm the way forward. “There’s been much procrastination from central and local government on the issues Aucklanders are facing and not enough action,” says Ms Freeman. “There’s no silver bullet on its way, so we’re taking the lead from other countries who have successfully solved similar problems using a ‘collective impact’ model.

One example is the award winning US based ‘100,000 Homes Campaign,’ a national movement that housed 105,000 homeless Americans over a four year period. This was achieved by the commitment and collaboration of multiple organisations who left any political agenda at the door and pooled resources and expertise.

In New Zealand, the same model was used by The People’s Project in Hamilton. In 2014, a goal was set to end homelessness in the city by 2016. Through the collective action of local and central government, and not for profit organisations, 254 people were housed in just two years with support provided to 311 people seeking housing solutions. Of those housed, 94% remain in their own homes two years later.

“We’re acutely aware that in addition to the need for increased social housing in Auckland, those in the middle of the spectrum struggling to pay rent or purchase a home, also need accessible options,” says Ms Freeman. “We’re not going to get anywhere by using the same thinking that’s got us here. Innovation and a cultural shift towards its role in creating communities is an essential part of the solution.”

Replicating good design on a larger scale, assisted financing options, addressing the costs of construction and speeding up the consent process were all identified as part of the solution.

“We need to establish a new not for profit organisation that would be run in a disciplined and business-like manner. Whilst central and local government would be key stakeholders, the organisation would be neutral, driven by solutions rather than politics.”

Such an organisation would be governed by a group of influential champions to provide clear leadership for the city, says Ms Freeman.

“From establishing a vision and strategic plan, to the delivery of finished houses, this new organisation would include existing industry players, agencies and the broader community. It would provide an essential co-ordination role aimed at filling the current gaps and removing the overlaps and inconsistencies.”

The next step is to share the findings from the report with all Aucklanders. “All input and feedback is welcomed as we tackle one of the most pressing issues of our time,” says Ms Freeman.

Feedback can be submitted via action@aucklandhousingsummit.co.nz. The Auckland Housing Summit Report and full address from Chief Human Rights Commissioner, David Rutherford, is available to download at www.aucklandhousingsummit.co.nz.

auckland_housing_summit_final_report_010817.pdf

ENDS

© Scoop Media