Trust Variation Bill has first reading
A Bill developed to allow the South Island’s biggest community and affordable housing provider respond to growing regional housing need had its first reading in Parliament.
Wigram MP Megan Woods commended the Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust (Trust Variation) Bill to the House today.
The Bill seeks to amend ŌCHT’s founding Trust Deed to remove a geographical restriction that currently limits its work to Christchurch and Banks Peninsula.
If passed, it would allow the Trust to apply its affordable housing development and management expertise in other South Island communities that have requested support.
ŌCHT chief Cate Kearney says the Bill represents a practical, targeted legislative change that will allow the Trust to respond when communities ask for help.
“For nearly a decade, we’ve developed a strong, effective model for delivering quality affordable housing and supporting sustainable tenancies in Christchurch.
“This change would allow us to share that proven approach where it’s needed most.”
Board chairman Darren Evans says the Bill seeks to unlock the potential of a proven regional asset.
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 voted to support the move last year.
“ŌCHT is a Christchurch success story. Over nine years, we’ve grown into the South Island’s largest non-government provider of community and affordable housing while delivering significant reinvestment benefits back to the city.
“This legislation enables a strong, mature organisation to apply its experience more widely. It is not about shifting focus away from Christchurch, it is about strengthening the Trust so it can continue to deliver long-term value to the city while contributing to solutions across the wider South Island.”
Any expansion would be carefully managed and partnership-focused, Mr Evans says.
“Every community is different. Our approach will always be to work alongside local organisations to deliver place-based solutions that reflect local needs.”
ŌCHT acknowledged the role of Wigram MP Dr Megan Woods, who is sponsoring the Private Bill: “We sincerely thank Dr Woods for sponsoring this Bill and supporting this important step to unlock ŌCHT’s potential to help communities wherever we’re needed.”
“We also acknowledge the ongoing support of the Christchurch City Council, the Greater Christchurch Partnership, and regional leaders who have encouraged us to share our expertise.”
Established by Christchurch City Council in 2016, ŌCHT now manages and maintains more than 2400 homes to provide housing for more than 2800 people across Christchurch and Banks Peninsula. ŌCHT has invested more than $70 million in new affordable housing since 2019.
The Private Bill will now progress through the parliamentary process to Select Committee.
