Strathmore Community Rallies Again With Kāinga Ora’s Nuku St Sale In Election Limbo
by Strathmore Housing Action · SCOOPFollowing an overnight campout to protest the sale of of 37 public homes in Strathmore, Wellington earlier in October, the community is rallying again at the site on Monday (2nd November) while the sale progress remains in limbo, after Kāinga Ora did not disclose if it had received any offers and opposition parties called for the sale to be stopped.
The event will feature speakers from the local community, former tenants of the Nuku St site, the community housing sector, churches and local government. Attendees will observe a minute of silence recognising the more than 600 households waiting for public housing and take part in a community art installation, tying 600 ribbons to the Nuku Street fencing Kāinga Ora has put up around the property as a visible symbol of hope and solidarity with those still waiting for a secure home.
What: ‘Hope for Housing’ - A community event recognising the need for public housing in Strathmore and Wellington. The event will feature speakers from the community, housing sector, churches and local government. Attendees will observe a minute of silence recognising the more than 600 households waiting for public housing and take part in a community art installation, tying 600 ribbons to the Nuku Street fencing Kāinga Ora has put up around the property as a visible symbol of hope and solidarity with those still waiting for a secure home.
When: Monday 2 November, 5.30pm-6.30pm
Wet Weather Date: Tuesday 3 November, 5.30pm-6.30pm
(Follow Strathmore Housing Action's Facebook page for weather updates.)
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Where: Along the Kāinga Ora fences outside 4, 6 and 8 Nuku Street, Strathmore Park
Why: Kaingā Ora’s deadline sale for 37 Nuku St public homes closed on Wednesday 21 October, following significant protest from the community, opposition parties, Wellington Mayor and most councillors, and social service agencies in the city. Labour Housing spokesperson wrote to Kāinga Ora requesting that Kāinga Ora postpone the sale, so that an incoming government should have the option to explore public housing for the site
The latest update from Kāinga Ora, provided on 22 October, stated:
“The deadline sale has closed, and we are now working through the next steps in the sale process. This is likely to take several weeks. To avoid prejudicing potential negotiations and to protect Kāinga Ora's commercial position, we are unable to provide any further information about the sales process at this stage.”
The properties continue to be advertised for sale, despite the original deadline having passed on 21 October. There is still hope that the properties may not yet have been sold, or that any decisions may be delayed until after the election. The event provides an opportunity for the community to gather again following the Nuku Street camp-out, celebrate the strength of local connections, and highlight the continuing need for public housing in Strathmore and across Wellington.
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