Investigation Of Housing Needs

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32280, 24 April 1970, Page 46

Investigation Of Housing Needs

(N.Z. Press Association)

WELLINGTON, April 23

The personnel and terms of reference for the commission of inquiry into New Zealand’s long-term housing requirements were announced this afternoon by the Minister of Housing (Mr Rae).

The commission will look into necessary housing resources, social and cultural aspects of the physical environment, the necessity for new housing legislation, demographic trends, and likely future supply and demand. I It will comprise Mr R. B.

Cook, Q.C., of Wellington, as chairman, and Messrs H. J. Barrett (Auckland), A. M. Linton (Rotorua), I. B. Reynolds (Auckland), and J. D. Walker (Wellington). Mr Rae said today that the Government indicated its intention to set up the commission, to reappraise and establish future long-term requirements for housing, after a report by the Building Industry Advisory Council late last year.

In its report to the Government, the council had pointed out that in view of the present decline in the rate of population increase and the virtual elimination of the housing backlog, the requirements of the community for residential building had changed. Independent research by the council revealed that the

pattern and level of demand for housing had undergone significant changes in the last few years, Mr Rae said. “As a quarter of all occupied dwellings have been constructed in the last 10 years, and there has been a vast improvement in the housing situation compared with the undoubted shortages in the 19505, the time is opportune for the commission to undertake a broad study of the whole subject,” he said.

“While assessing future requirements, the commission will also indicate the role of the central Government, local government and the private sector.”

Under its terms of reference, the commission will inquire into and report on: — The facilities and resources required for the proper

housing of the people of

New Zealand. The working and adequacy of existing housing law. The necessity to amend or create legislation to make more adequate provision for housing. Such other matters as may be brought to the notice of

the commission. The commission will also have regard to:—

The objective of preserving and developing a high quality of social and cultural life within an attractive physical environment. Demographic trends. Trends in levels and distribution of income. Investment resources available, and competing demands for these resources.

Housing aspirations and preferences of the community. Probable trends in demand for varying types of sections and dwellings. The number of sections and dwellings required to house the population adequately. Ways of making the most efficient use of the existing stock of dwellings, including conservation, rehabilitation and redevelopment. The means of ensuring an adequate supply of land in the form required for housing, while making effective use of existing subdivided sections and services. The capacity of the building industry to meet effi-. ciently housing needs.