Planning for future

Press, 6 September 1989, Page 57

Planning for future

Experts from a variety of areas within the housing industry will meet in Wellington on September 18 and 19 to participate in the Real Estate Institute’s National Housing Symposium.

The symposium, based on the theme of affordable housing for all New Zealanders, will aim to develop a blueprint for the nation’s housing future. Speakers have been selected for their expertise within their area of work and will be available to answer questions after their address.

Guest speakers include the director general of the Housing Corporation, Mr Rob Carter, who will examine the need for a national housing programme. Mr Carter took up his appointment in January this year and

brings Australian housing experience and ideas to the job. The Minister of Housing, Mr Hunt, will also address the symposium on the role and responsibilities of Government in the provision of housing. All housing design and construction is governed by the law. A Christchurch lawyer, Mr Denis Sheard, will consider the problems posed by 20-year-old housing and planning legislation. A Wellington architect, Mr Roger Walker, will discuss ways that innovative design and construction can contribute to affordable housing. An Auckland city councillor, Dr Bruce Hucker; the executive director of the New Zealand Housing Initiative, Mr Brian Conroy; Real Estate Institute council-

lor, Mr Peter Cook; demographer, Mr Michael Mills; Mr Alan Whelan of the Housing Corporation and the director of Business Economic Research, Mr Paul Frater, will all address the symposium.

Invitations to attend the National Housing Symposium have been extended to housing professionals, community organisations and interested groups throughout the country. The Real Estate Institute hopes to promote discussion between these groups and encourage the continued supply of appropriate housing within the New Zealand market.

It is planned to publish the full proceedings of the symposium as a resource for academics and planners.