Healthy community housing
by Veronica Johnston
South Auckland has a serious shortage of affordable housing, forcing families to live in the homes and garages of friends and relatives.
Some Maori and Pasifika families are living in some extremely unhealthy and overcrowded conditions.
“In the summer, if you drive through some of the streets in Mangere, you’ll see some of those garages open because it’s so hot, and you’ll see a glimpse of all their worldly possessions in there,” says Elaine Lolesio, Director of the Monte Cecilia Housing Trust.
The Monte Cecilia Housing Trust helps find affordable homes for homeless families.
But Mangere East Family Service Centre Director Peter Sykes says affordable housing is an issue which is not easily achievable.
“I’m not sure what affordable housing is,” he says.
“Are developers being given an incentive to develop healthy communities and not just cheaper housing?”
“Where are the communal halls for communities to meet and talk about issues?”
Mr Sykes argues some housing developments in South Auckland are not designed for community living: “There’s no public space.”
He says this simply creates more stress factors.
“For every 200 houses there should be a community space, a place to meet, and at least a dairy close by so that people can walk to get milk and bread.”
He says he would rather see dairies than alcohol outlets.
“There’s a moral judgment that is missing here.”
Mr Sykes says South Auckland needs affordable housing that is also “accessible, sustainable and strategic housing.”