FAQs

There is increasing demand on Taranaki’s housing system. Housing availability, affordability and quality is a regional priority that needs urgent action. See the infographic on our homepage for an overview of the Taranaki Housing Eco-system, and the challenges that need addressing.

Toi Foundation is well placed through relationships, funding systems and capability to support, facilitate and co-create initiatives that will address housing challenges for Taranaki. Through the establishment of a separate entity, Taranaki Housing Initiative Trust, the Foundation will provide resourcing on a short-term basis to build awareness of the Taranaki Regional Housing Strategy and progress some of its key interventions, giving regional leaders time to decide the best governance and funding arrangements to deliver on the strategy from then on.

No. Toi Foundation is committed to reducing economic and social disparities by funding where there is the greatest need. The Foundation is guided by a Strategic Framework and four funding strategies when making decisions on grant applications. Housing is one of many focus areas Toi Foundation aims to address with continued support across their Strategic, Innovative and Investing for Impact funds.

The Taranaki Housing Initiative Trust is a separate entity to Toi Foundation.

As a housing strategy implementation group, there are four main objectives for Taranaki Housing Initiative Trust:

Yes.Taranaki Housing Initiative Trust will address concerns across the region. The staff for Taranaki Housing Initiative Trust will work across the region. In 2023, a review of Taranaki’s housing eco-system found that in particular, disparities for Māori, youth and South and Stratford districts of Taranaki need to be addressed.

Not only is the quality of housing a concern (with high rates of dampness and mould in homes), there is greater pressure on affordability and demand for social housing in comparison to New Plymouth.

Current pressure on emergency and transitional housing will not be alleviated or improved until more social and community housing is available. More dwellings are needed, specifically 1 and 2 bedroom housing. However, housing is a complex system that resists ‘single solution’ actions. We are realistic that it will take time for the actions we take today to provide better long-term outcomes. Effort and investment into Taranaki housing will be ongoing.

The short-term nature of Taranaki Housing Initiative Trust resourcing (likely two years), recognises that it is likely a regional body will step up to take ownership of the Taranaki Regional Housing Strategy, with a number of players likely to resource actions from the Strategy moving forward.

Taranaki Housing Initiative Trust was established in 2023, with endorsement from community and emergency housing providers, Councils, public sector organisations, lenders and local organisations that are delivering housing support initiatives across Taranaki. The Trust is not funded by local or central government, however Taranaki housing developers and providers should better leverage available Central Government funding directly in addressing regional housing needs. Taranaki Housing Initiative Trust can direct applicants to funding agencies for property development proposals.

There are four Trustees that are providing governance and oversight to Taranaki Housing Initiative Trust. They are: Maria Ramsay and Glen West of Toi Foundation, Tyson Schmidt and Sonia Griffin, both from Third Bearing.

To support delivery of the Trust’s objectives, Taranaki Housing Initiative Trust is currently recruiting for the following resourcing:

The Taranaki Regional Housing Strategy was developed post Covid-19. It provides a clear picture of the status quo and recommends a number of interventions to address the wide range of concerns and complex housing sector challenges in play for Taranaki. The Strategy needs to evolve to remain relevant and useful as a planning and implementation guide for the sector. Taranaki Housing Initiative Trust take on the role of kaiārahi (conductor, leader, guide) for the Strategy, enabling and empowering the housing sector to take actionable change in addressing shortfalls and strengthening the housing eco-system for long-term positive outcomes across Taranaki. Part of this work, will involve Strategy updates as required.

Check back here on our website for any information on what Taranaki Housing Initiative Trust is doing, and progress that is being made to provide safe and affordable housing for all who reside in Taranaki.

Taranaki Housing Initiative Trust is currently developing a dataset of housing. This register will be publicly available as soon as practicable. In the meantime, you can contact the following organisations and Community Housing Providers for Taranaki:
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‍Kainga Ora
NPDC
Stratford District Council
South Taranaki District Council
Community Housing Action Taranaki (CHAT)
Roderique Hope Emergency Housing Trust
Link People
Salvation Army
Social Housing

Email your inquiry to:
Taranaki Housing Initiative Trust
[email protected]