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RNZ can reveal Kāinga Ora had spent more than $3 million on the complex as of February 19, including $1.76 million on resource consents and consultancy for building designs.
A second resource consent application has been submitted to Auckland Council amid comments from residents that the new plan does not address issues discussed at community meetings.
The housing agency said in an update that it would pause development while it works with the Department of Housing and Urban Development to develop an asset management strategy, including understanding priorities and financing for housing renewal programs.
However, the company said it would continue with the resource consent process and current site cleanup work.
“The earthworks currently being carried out at the site have been extended until the end of August 2024. The earthworks are designed to level and stabilise the site in preparation for future development.
“However, all other work has been suspended,” said Tain Jones, the agency’s regional director for Auckland North and West.
Community leader Benji Nathan is leading the fight against development at Kāinga Ora.
He said the news was a win for the community.
“They’ve spent over $3 million on this redevelopment and they still don’t have resource consent.
“Hearing there’s a moratorium on construction, hopefully it means they might come back to the table, listen to the community and go back to the original purpose of the land – pensioner housing.”
Nason said a recent shake-up of the state landlords’ board meant Kāinga Ora would be held to account.
“Private homeowners as landlords have obligations and social housing should have obligations as well.
“This development has cost $3 million but we have no buildings on site. I think that’s down to a lack of community involvement and making sure they get it right the first time.”
Jones said the pause on the Blockhouse Bay development was in line with the housing agency’s approach to other developments due to be delivered after June 2025 but which have yet to be contracted or started construction.
“We will still have 117 new social homes under construction or under contract for delivery by June 2025 within the Whau Local Board area.”
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