During a recent visit to Tauranga, Labor Party leader Chris Hipkins highlighted the housing and health initiatives that have benefited the city. Accompanied by Labor MPs Jan Tinetti and Megan Woods, as well as Labor candidate for Bay of Plenty Pare Taikato, Hipkins began his visit to a housing estate in the Mangatawa Pāpāmoa Blocks.
Mangatawa Pāpāmoa Blocks Inc, a registered housing provider, offers a range of rental and occupation licenses for housing, property development and horticultural and agricultural interests. The property also has a partnership with Pacific Coast Village and Pacific Lakes Retirement Village.
During his visit, Hipkins learned about the sustainable and viable option of using renewable energy to generate electricity in these homes. One tenant, Rhapsody Cooper, mentioned that her electric bill dropped significantly after installing solar panels, from $800 per month to just $25. Not only did this have a positive impact on their finances, but it also reduced stress and hardship for other members of the community.
Labor MP Megan Woods stressed that accessibility was a key focus and that the community housing development in the Mangatawa Pāpāmoa Blocks was part of a pilot program to help people pay their utility bills. The aim of this initiative is to support future generations and alleviate the financial hardships of residents.
After visiting the Mangatawa Pāpāmoa Blocks, Hipkins made his way to Doncaster Drive in Pāpāmoa to join Kāinga Ora staff and residents in celebrating the completion of 41 social housing units. Kāinga Ora, the government agency responsible for providing social housing, has added 251 homes to its housing portfolio in Tauranga over the last three financial years. Their plans for the next few years include building around 190 more houses of various sizes.
Tauranga, traditionally a National Party stronghold, recently received a visit from Labor and National Party leaders. Labour’s housing and health initiatives and investments aim to have a positive impact on city residents and demonstrate the party’s commitment to tackling important issues.
