Another 39 affordable rentals are planned for completion next year. Photo: 123RF
The government hopes to provide more affordable housing in Rotorua, with a plan to deliver 189 homes.
Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka said up to 150 would be social housing homes completed by July 2027, working with Rotorua Lakes Council and community housing providers.
A project consisting of 39 affordable rentals would also be delivered in 12 months by Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau.
"Rotorua is a priority location for housing," Potaka said. "We're backing community-led solutions to address the need here, which has seen disproportionate numbers of people in emergency and temporary housing, and about 700 applicants waiting on the social housing register.
"Rental affordability has been a long-standing issue. Some whānau have struggled to find an affordable rental home, so they've been limited to emergency and social housing.
"The new homes will complement RLC's new Rotorua Housing Plan to enable iwi and hapu housing aspirations, increase housing choice and support diverse housing needs. The plan was developed with extensive local engagement."
Mayor Tania Tapsell said the investment was much needed.
"Like many places in the country, we've been really struggling with the cost of living and also the cost of housing, but that's been particularly bad here in Rotorua," she said. "Many families go into emergency hotels."
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