There were lots of smiles today as people got their first peek at 10 new affordable rental homes, developed by the Nelson Tasman Housing Trust.
People moving in to the new homes in Atawhai, Nelson, took part in a blessing and opening event, and many had big smiles as they walked through the homes for the first time. Most have been living in temporary, insecure or unaffordable housing until now, so it's a relief to finally have a home where they can live long-term. They will start moving in from next weekend.
The homes in Dodson Valley Road are a mix of two, three and four-bedroom, and are for households on modest incomes.
They are designed to be warm, dry and energy-efficient and have photovoltaic panels to reduce the cost of power.
The development of the homes was made possible through funding from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development's Affordable Housing Fund, the Nelson City Council's Housing Reserve, the Rātā Foundation and a philanthropic donor.
The completion of these homes means the Nelson Tasman Housing Trust now has 80 rental homes in Nelson and Richmond for people on low to modest incomes.
Top, from left: Tenants give their new home the thumbs up; Nelson Tasman Housing Trust board chair Andrew Wilson and director Carrie Mozena; Archdeacon Harvey Whakaruru opens the event with a karakia.
Bottom: Nelson Mayor Nick Smith speaks at the opening.