Applications for a unit in Hasting’s District Council’s new elder resident rental housing complex in Flaxmere will open in mid-October. Priced below private market.

Te Pā Harakeke, on Swansea Ave in central Flaxmere, is a modern 39-unit housing complex being built by Hastings District Council in partnership with Government co-funders Te Tūāpapa Kura Kāinga – Ministry of Housing and Urban Development through its Affordable Housing Fund. 

Construction is well underway and is expected to be completed in June 2026.

Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst comments: “This new housing model needs to be sustainable with the rental income covering all costs to protect the long-term viability of the housing development, but rents will still be 20% below the private market. It’s about making sure our housing portfolio keeps pace with the realities of today, while providing dignity and affordability for our older residents.”

Some ratepayers might say providing housing in this manner is not the kind of ‘core service’ councils should be involved with. Read on and then comment … What’s your view?

This week Council considered and adopted an operational policy that sets the criteria for the units and will guide their ongoing management.

Mayor Hazlehurst says the new Te Pā Harakeke housing reflected the changing needs of our community. “It offers modern, secure homes not only for those already in retirement, but also for people nearing retirement who may still be working but whose income is a barrier to rent affordability. 

 Unlike Council’s existing portfolio of 220 one-bedroom units, built between 1960 and 1986 and reserved for residents aged 65 and over, Te Pā Harakeke introduces a slightly broader eligibility framework. 

Reflecting demographic changes such as later retirement and rising numbers of older renters, the new policy recognises elders as those nearing or at superannuation age, as well as those aged over 65. 

This shift acknowledges that people approaching retirement can also face housing insecurity, and aims to provide a wider group with access to safe, warm, and affordable homes.

Eligibility criteria for Te Pā Harakeke have been simplified, with a clear asset cap of $80,000 for singles and $100,000 for couples. This ensures homes are prioritised for those who most need them. Residents must also be able to live independently.

Financial sustainability has been a central consideration in providing this housing. The facility will not be subsidised by ratepayers, with 100% of operating costs and debt servicing funded from the rental income, in line with Council’s Revenue and Financing Policy.

Rents at Te Pā Harakeke will be set at 80% of the median market rent for Hastings, aligning with the Government’s definition of affordable housing. Independent rental appraisals confirm this level balances affordability for tenants with the need for Council to recover costs. The existing portfolio of complexes will stay at 63 per cent of the median market rent.

More information and details on how to apply will be available on the Hastings District Council website from mid-October. The confirmed opening date for applications will be advertised widely.