New Zealand's Governments Plan to Build More Affordable Homes For All.

New Zealand’s housing minister, Nick Smith, has announced plans that New Zealand's largest community housing development is expected to provide affordable homes for more than 1250 people.

The $102 million development is expected to help 113 families into their first home. The affordable homes will be newly built on the edge of the Manukau Harbour, on the Weymouth Peninsula in Manurewa. This is a highly sought after suburb to live in, being on the coast it is stunningly beautiful though in more practical terms it is just 3 miles out of Manukau city centre, a main town of industry meaning there will be work and education available with a fantastic view for good measure, this was originally 16 hectares of government land.  The new homes will be a short drive of 16 miles to the southeast of the Auckland central business district, providing a fantastic opportunity for work and an easy commute.

Manurewa has a high proportion of non European ethnicities, making it one of the most multi-cultural suburbs in New Zealand. Employment for many is at the many companies of nearby Wiri, Papakura, and at the steel mill at Glenbrook. Manurewa's main shopping centre, Southmall, is located on the Great South Road. Real estate values in Manurewa vary greatly. It is the home of Auckland Botanic Gardens which receives over a million visitors a year.

The project will be a fast tracked resource consent process which would see the first homes ready by mid-2014.

First time buyers will be given preference for the 113 houses, in Manurewa, that would usually go direct to the private market with an expected price range between $325,000 and $475,000.

The remaining 169 units will be rentals for community and social housing when the entire development will be finished in 2017.

This will help to improve the lives and opportunities of Auckland families who may otherwise struggle to find suitable housing and affordable housing. More special housing development areas will be announced in due course.