Thriving communities: Developing a strategic framework for mixed-tenure housing: A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Planning at Lincoln University

Abstract

New Zealanders are facing housing insecurity with home ownership rates falling to the lowest levels in 60 years and it is not just those with lower socio-economic status facing housing security difficulties, but it appears that the middle-income earners in New Zealand are having to face these difficulties also. In addition, concentrated areas of mono-tenure public housing developments have been described as dysfunctional, compounding the effects of poverty, and creating cycles of disadvantage. Mixed-tenure housing developments are purported to achieve a range of benefits in society. The developments are designed to meet the diverse housing and financial needs by providing a range of tenure options. Mixed-tenure developments could play a significant part in addressing the housing issues in New Zealand. However, there has only been a small level of interest and investment from housing developers when it comes to mixed-tenure housing developments. There is also minimal guidance and information available for housing providers, with only a small body of New Zealand academic research and literature available. This dissertation seeks to contribute to this small body of research and provide some guidance for housing providers and policymakers regarding mixed-tenure housing developments. The dissertation begins with a contribution to the discussion of the definition of mixed-tenure housing. This is followed by a proposal of a strategic framework for mixed-tenure housing developments that housing providers and policymakers can utilise as a guidance tool. Feedback was sought on the strategic framework from people who currently work in the housing sector to evaluate the usability of the strategic framework. Based on the results, the proposed strategic framework can be a workable tool for housing providers and policymakers to use in practice.