Franklin District Council was granted a suspensory, interest-free loan from Housing New Zealand Corporation (HNZ) to upgrade Council’s pensioner units in Albert Place, Pukekohe during 2006-2007.
What Occured
So what exactly was part of the refurbishment at Albert Place, the oldest of Council’s pensioner housing units? In general all units, along with a good lick of paint on the walls and ceiling, received:
- Roof insulation
- New carpet
- All new aluminium windows
- New vinyl in the kitchen
- New kitchen fittings and a better kitchen layout
- Walk-in shower conversions for units that currently have baths. Also new special non-slip vinyl in these bathrooms and new bathroom layout and fittings including new toilets.
- New larger deck area
- Security lighting
Albert Place are the oldest of Council’s pensioner housing units and the refurbishments are a great improvement say many residents.
“The bathroom is magic,” said one resident, commenting on how much better suited the new fittings and walk-in showers are for the elderly residents.
“This is now the nicest place I’ve lived,” says one resident.
Franklin District Council was able to renovate the units thanks to a partnership with Housing New Zealand Corporation (HNZC).
Franklin District Council received a HNZC Housing Innovation Fund interest-free loan of $900,000 to help modernise the village. HNZC Housing Innovations project manager David Vui-Talitu said the new units were now more conducive to modern living, “and proof that use of good design concepts can turn a house into a home”.
Housing Innovation Fund lending of $8.22 million has funded the modernisation, construction and reconfiguration of 188 council units across seven different councils including Franklin District Council.