In a move to tackle housing affordability, Wellington City Council’s Environment and Infrastructure Committee today voted 14-4 to extend the successful Te Kainga programme to 2033, paving the way for an extra 500 affordable rental homes.

The Committee approved Councillor Geordie Rogers’ amendment to the Housing Action Plan, seconded by Councillor Rebecca Matthews, which will extend Te Kainga by five years and increase the supply of affordable rental properties in Wellington. The decision adds five years to the two-year extension, starting in 2026, that officers had recommended.

“This decision extends our commitment to addressing the urgent need for affordable housing in Wellington,” says Cr Rogers. “Housing people in our city centre creates vibrancy, reduces the city’s emissions, and comes at no cost to ratepayers.”

“Te Kainga has already had a positive impact, and this extension builds on that success,” says Cr Matthews.

Mayor Tory Whanau said the commitment to 1,500 new affordable rental homes represented a significant step in tackling housing affordability in Wellington.

“Working with our partners, we are making real progress in addressing one of our city’s most pressing challenges and creating a more equitable Wellington for all,” says Mayor Whanau.

Under Te Kainga, the Council partners with building owners to convert former office buildings into quality, family-friendly, affordable rental housing. The initiative aims to provide long-term affordable rentals in the city.

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Te Kainga currently has 290 apartments, including 78 that are in partnership with Victoria University. The upcoming addition of 183 new apartments, agreed upon by the Council for later this year, will bring the programme to nearly half of its initial goal of 1000 units by 2026.

Besides providing affordable rentals, Te Kainga repurposes vacant commercial and office buildings, improving their earthquake safety.

Sense Partners’ research showed that the programme is also expected to bring several economic benefits, including savings on transport costs and more efficient use of city infrastructure.

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