LGOIMA Request Details

The information you have requested is below.

1. Data on local housing demand, including any assessments of homelessness or housing shortages in the area.

The data Manawatu District Council (MDC) refers to for expected demand for housing is from Infometrics. The most recent consideration of capacity for supply of housing formed part of a MDC District Plan Focus Group workshop in October 2024 which included the following data (note the abbreviation NPS-UD refers National Policy Standard on Urban Development): 

Manawatū District Council is required to publish a NPS-UD Quarterly Monitoring Report which may include information you are seeking.  The latest report published is September 2024 linked here: Urban Development Manawatu District Council

We do not have data on homelessness per se, however the Quarterly Monitoring report attached contains information regarding the Manawatū Community Trust and Kaianga Ora housing registers.  

2. Updates on regional housing development plans and initiatives aimed at addressing housing affordability.  

Manawatū District Council focuses on affordable housing for the elderly and disabled through Manawatū Community Trust. The Trust currently holds 205 units with a goal to grow this to 250 units for the Elderly and Disabled by 2030. Further detail regarding Manawatū Community Trust including the Statement of Intent and accountability reporting can be found on the Council website linked here: Council Organisations | Manawatū District Council. Further information on the Trust is available on their website: https://manawatucommunitytrust.nz/ 

A deep dive into affordable and social housing was provided to the MDC Community Development and Economic Development Focus groups in June 2023.  This provided updates on the priorities and actions in the MDC Housing Strategic Action Plan adopted in November 2021. Housing affordability is part of this plan. The deep dive report is in this link -  Housing_data_for_CDED_Focus_Group_June_2023.zip 

3. Insights into local partnerships or programs to address housing challenges.     

Partnership with Manawatū Community Trust for affordable housing for the elderly and disabled is detailed in 2. Above.

Manawatū District Council is engaging with interested parties and the community on a draft Growth Strategy to plan for future housing needs and challenges.  The summary for feedback is linked here: Growth Strategy Summary for Feedback 002 FINAL for engagement