Tenants were excited to have a look through their new homes at the official blessing and opening today of the Nelson Tasman Housing Trust's latest housing development. Eight affordable rental homes were opened at 163 Kawai St, Nelson and the tenants will move in over the next few days. For most, moving-in day can't come soon enough, as they have been living in insecure, temporary or unaffordable housing.
The two-bedroom homes are designed to be warm, dry and energy-efficient, and suitable for people with low mobility. Four are wheelchair- accessible and all have photovoltaic panels to reduce the cost of power. Nelson Tasman Housing Trust director Carrie Mozena said the homes were in a great location, close to the city centre, bus routes and Nelson Hospital.
She said the trust appreciated funding support for the development from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Nelson City Council and the Rātā Foundation. The council provided a $1.2 million grant from its housing reserve fund, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development provided $2.215 million from its Affordable Housing Fund and the Rātā Foundation provided $200,000.
The homes are intended for working households on low to modest incomes and the rent will be 80% of the market rent for similar rentals in the area.
Top: Nelson Tasman Housing Trust director Carrie Mozena and board chair Andrew Wilson; guests at the opening event: Tenants join Archdeacon Harvey Whakaruru (right) as he blesses their home.
Bottom: Nelson Mayor Nick Smith speaks at the opening; guests have a look through a home.