Wellington expands affordable housing and tenant support

Wellington is expanding its affordable housing initiatives through two major developments. The Wellington City Council’s Te Kāinga programme will add 56 refurbished apartments at 57 Manners Street. This partnership between the Council and private owners converts underused commercial buildings into long-term rentals. The project includes 12 studios, 41 one-bedroom, and three two-bedroom apartments, with an expected completion date in mid-2027. This brings the total number of Te Kāinga apartments to 528, moving toward a target of 1,500 by 2033.

Simultaneously, Te Toi Mahana, Wellington’s largest residential landlord, has launched an $8.54 million support package for tenants. The ‘Existing Tenant Support Fund’ aims to assist up to 1,000 social housing tenants by managing rent increases resulting from the Council’s Housing Upgrade Programme phase 2. The fund will provide rental relief and cost-of-living support, including a gradual phase-in of rent increases over five years to avoid sudden financial shifts. Additionally, the package will preserve a rent freeze for tenants aged 80 and older.