More housing for essential public service workers

Many Wellingtonians are feeling the strain of rising house prices and rents, so we are creating more affordable apartments for Pōneke’s essential workers with our new Te Kāinga programme.

A young mum holding her baby daughter as she puts a picture on a stainless steel fridge in a white, modern kitchen.

We’ve partnered with building owners to convert underutilised commercial buildings in the central city into quality one, two, and three-bedroom rental apartments.

Building owners are responsible for construction and maintenance work, with the Council managing the tenancies.

These family friendly apartments offer long-term tenancies below market rates, which include new whiteware, free Wi-Fi, recycling, refuse collection, and bike parking, with the city’s many attractions right on your doorstep. Applications are prioritised to people in public sector roles.

Residents have told us they are enjoying their new, modern, and conveniently located rental apartments. We are checking in with them regularly to glean feedback and find out how we can improve the programme.

A young couple looking at a cookbook in the middle of a modern kitchen with dining table and vase of flowers in foreground.

There are currently two buildings in the programme at 197 Willis Street and 203 Willis Street. Further buildings are due to come online in 2023 and more projects will be announced later this year.

We have committed to creating 1,000 new homes under the Te Kāinga programme in the next five years.

We want all Wellingtonians to be well housed, which means everyone living in safe, warm, dry homes that are affordable for them. That’s why we're increasing the city's housing supply by working with our partners in government and the community.

Learn what other actions we are taking as part of our Housing Action Plan to help address housing supply and affordability in the capital at wellington.govt.nz/housing-strategy