Forum Addresses Growing Housing Crisis in New Plymouth

Public concern is mounting in New Zealand as the number of individuals experiencing homelessness continues to rise. This issue has become increasingly visible since the current coalition government adopted a more stringent approach to housing policy, moving away from the previous Labour Government’s reliance on motels for temporary accommodation. The situation has left many people exposed and struggling, prompting calls for urgent action.

In response to this pressing challenge, organizations such as New Plymouth Positive Ageing, Age Concern, and Grey Power are hosting a free housing forum on February 19, 2024, at the Plymouth International Hotel. The event aims to address the housing gap and explore potential solutions for the growing number of individuals without stable housing.

The forum will feature presentations from staff at the New Plymouth District Council and the Ministry of Social Development, who will share relevant statistics, discuss current challenges, and propose solutions to the housing crisis. Wally Garrett, chairman of New Plymouth Positive Ageing, will also present plans for establishing an Abbeyfield home in the city, noting that New Plymouth is one of the few mid-sized cities in New Zealand without such facilities. The need for this type of accommodation is becoming increasingly urgent as pressure mounts on existing rest homes and retirement villages.

According to the Age-Proofing Aotearoa report released by the Helen Clark Foundation in collaboration with consultancy WSP, New Zealand faces a significant challenge in accommodating its rapidly ageing population. The report indicates that the number of New Zealanders aged 65 and over is projected to nearly triple by 2078, reaching approximately 2.5 million individuals, compared to around 870,000 today. This demographic shift means that up to one-third of the population could be over 65 within the next fifty years, sharply increasing from the current rate of 17%.

The upcoming forum serves as a crucial platform to bring attention to these challenges and to engage the community in discussions about sustainable housing solutions. As New Plymouth grapples with these pressing issues, the need for effective policies and community action has never been more critical. The event is scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM on February 19, offering an opportunity for residents to participate in shaping the future of housing in New Plymouth.