Responsible Housing: c20 January 2022

Three years ago I had the concept of a RESPONSIBLE (financial, social, and environmental) fourteen unit housing development in South Auckland (Takanini). As 2021 begins to close, that concept is now a full reality. I was told by many that both Homestar (the target is 7) and Accessible homes (Lifemark 5*) in the affordable market was not possible. Indeed, it felt that way as COVID threw itself around, funding was challenging, no-one was interested in accessible or Homestar homes, an early earthworks contractor walked away (nearly with a significant deposit), and market sentiment was extremely low. However, now as the kitchens are in, the services are nearly installed, and landscaping is due to begin; I can see that a product like this IS possible and costs no more to produce if planned and executed well. This share is a ‘shout-out’ to some key partners: The Development Collective for their design work putting form to my concept right through into the construction phase, Green Homes New Zealand for their support from the pre-construction phase and now as the head contractor in the construction phase, Paul Miller and Ali Roland for their client side Project Management, Lifemark, and Henry McTavish for keeping me focused on the ‘home’ aspect of the development and those that will be living there.