New Zealand Bill Tender

Legislation to set up the Governments urban development authority Kainga OraHomes and Communities has been introduced to Parliament. Housing and Urban Development Minister Phil Twyford said Kainga OraHomes and Communities will be the Governments lead developer for urban development. It will bring together three existing agencies Housing NZ its development subsidiary HLC and the KiwiBuild Unit. Homes and Communities will create a diverse mix of public affordable and market housing.It will also be a world class public housing landlord and will continue to offer the homeownership support currently provided by Housing NZ and HLC such as Home Start Grants and Welcome Home Loans. At the moment the Governments comprehensive house building programmes is spread across multiple agencies. This has led to duplication and the splitting of key roles fragmented decision-making and limited coordination between agencies. Kainga Ora is a new approach. Its a one stop shop with a job description to build modern homes and vibrant communities.It will have a strong social mandate including being a fair and reasonable landlord and recognising the importance of environmental cultural and heritage values in urban development. Partnerships are critical to the future success of Homes and Communities which will work alongside local government iwi infrastructure providers and property developers Phil Twyford said.Kinga Ora will be established through two separate pieces of legislation. The Bill introduced today will bring together the three agencies. A second Bill later this year will give Homes and Communities its enabling development powers. Following the select committee process the first Bill is expected to pass later this year with Kinga OraHomes and Communities up and running on October 1.