​ First KiwiBuild families welcomed to their new homes

A street party was held this morning in the McLennan development in Papakura and gave existing residents a chance to meet their new KiwiBuild neighbours.

Jacinda Ardern said KiwiBuild is giving thousands of young families who have been locked out of homeownership a chance to buy their own affordable, starter home.

“Having a home is not about just the bricks and mortar, it’s about being able to put down roots for future generations. It’s about giving our kids, and their kids to come, a place to call home.

“Our Government believes that housing is at the heart of what makes communities strong. Everyone deserves to have a warm, dry and affordable home.

“It’s fitting that we’re welcoming the first KiwiBuild families into their own homes on the first anniversary of forming our Government. It’s incredibly heart-warming,” Jacinda Ardern said.

Phil Twyford said the Government is committed to tackling the national housing crisis, and the terrible impacts on our families of unaffordable housing and a rental market under pressure.

“These 18 families today make KiwiBuild a reality. This is just the beginning.

“We busy building more KiwiBuild houses throughout the country. We’re also making housing more affordable by banning overseas speculators and closing tax loopholes, and reforming the rental market.

“There is still a lot of work to do to build our way out of the housing crisis, but today shows the progress we are already making,” Phil Twyford said.