Homes for Good Trust is a new community housing, charitable trust that is gathering vital information, not available anywhere else in the public domain, about possible options for existing houses and land in Central Kāpiti, to help with solving the acute housing crisis for over 65 year old people living in this area.
The first Homes for Good public meeting held on November 14, 2024, attracted some 40 people and covered various topics related to housing solutions, including granny flats, tiny homes, renting, and co-housing. Attendees included community board members, housing experts, landlords, real estate agents and residents sharing their experiences.
Granny Flat Discussion: David Fromont chaired the discussion on “granny flats”, with contributions from several people on downsizing and on Māori accommodation practices.
Community Housing Experiences: Speakers shared their experiences with community housing, including some local work in the area and a man’s support for a friend in need with an urgent housing issue
Tiny Homes and Co-Housing: Tiny Homes discussed the challenges and benefits of their products and services, while Peter Ryan chaired the co-housing discussion, highlighting various personal experiences and potential solutions.
Renting Challenges: Robin Gunston chaired the renting group, discussing issues like tenancy duration, stability, and the high cost of rentals compared to super payments.
Legal and Ethical Issues in Renting: The group also addressed the lack of a legal framework for long-term rentals, intimidating property inspections, and the limited acceptance of pets by landlords.
Healthy Home Rules: Landlords expressed concerns about the Healthy Home rules, particularly around space heating.
Proposed Solutions: Proposals included more rent-to-buy options, establishing tiny home villages, and being able to offer affordable rentals in areas with lower land values.
February meeting: The next Public Meeting will be in Waikanae on Wednesday February 21st, 2025 at 10am in the Waikanae Presbyterian Church Hall, 43 Ngaio Road, Waikanae.
For more Homes for Good see: www.homesforgood.nz
