ŌCHT seeks to serve new communities
A small change may mean new opportunities for affordable and community housing in underserved communities.
Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust (ŌCHT) is seeking to change part of its Trust Deed so it can respond to calls to help communities outside Christchurch.
Its current Deed has a clause limiting ŌCHT’S work to Christchurch and Banks Peninsula. The clause can only be removed by an Act of Parliament.
ŌCHT has prepared a Private Bill to remove the limitation. The Bill is sponsored by Wigram MP Megan Woods, and its intent is supported by Greater Christchurch councils.
ŌCHT chief executive Cate Kearney
ŌCHT chief executive Cate Kearney says the amendment will allow ŌCHT respond to calls to apply its sector-leading expertise in underserved centres around the South Island.
Local councils and regional agencies have expressed interest in ŌCHT providing and managing affordable housing solutions in their areas, Ms Kearney says.
The Greater Christchurch Partnership's Joint Housing Action Plan identifies the need to expand ŌCHT’s successful model to serve the city’s regional neighbours.
The Christchurch City Council – ŌCHT’s key strategic partner, ŌCHT Trust Deed signatory and Greater Christchurch Partnership member – voted to back the move last year.
“There’s wide recognition that our sector-leading Christchurch-grown solutions can make a real difference across the wider South Island,” Ms Kearney says.
“Amending our Deed will open the door for ŌCHT to carefully and strategically respond to our shared affordable housing challenge while strengthening our work at home.”
ŌCHT is the South Island’s biggest non-government community and affordable housing provider.
It manages and maintains more than 2400 homes serving more than 2700 community and affordable housing tenants across Christchurch and Banks Peninsula.
Since 2017, ŌCHT has returned more than $136 million in lease payments and about $29 million in annual operating surpluses to the Christchurch City Council.
On behalf of Council, ŌCHT has so far invested more-than $55 million improving Council-owned units.
ŌCHT has also invested more than $70 million of its own capital in more than 360 new homes.
ŌCHT board chair Darren Evans
Trust board chairman Darren Evans says the amendment will enhance ŌCHT’s vital work in Christchurch while providing much-needed housing services in underserved regions.
“This Bill offers a practical way to address the urgent housing needs in other regions while ensuring ŌCHT grows as a strong asset for Christchurch,” Evans says.
“We’re primed for strategic growth that’ll lead to economies of scale and lower costs, which will help us deliver even more affordable housing services where they’re needed.
“This strategic growth and the resulting economies of scale will not only benefit new regions but will also strengthen ŌCHT's long-term financial position, allowing for continued and potentially increased investment in its Christchurch housing portfolio.
“We’ll unlock the potential of an established, strong and scalable housing leader that’ll be ready to deliver an enduring win-win for Christchurch and the South Island.”
Ms Kearney says ŌCHT’s commitment to Christchurch is absolute: “We’ll be building capacity in new regions, not diluting our focus on Christchurch.”
“Any expansion will be a win-win, strengthening our overall capacity to deliver for both new regions and our home city.
“We look forward to the passage of the Bill. ŌCHT is ready to serve more communities and help local and central government meet our shared goal of tackling the housing challenge.”
The Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust (Trust Amendment) Bill can be viewed on ŌCHT’s website (www.ochgt.org.nz/deed) or by visiting ŌCHT’s office at 61 Kilmore Street, Christchurch.
