About Community Housing Aotearoa
Community Housing Aotearoa (CHA) is a peak body for New Zealand’s community housing sector. Our provider members house approximately 35,000 people nationally across 18,520 homes. Our partner members include developers, consultants and local councils.
About CHA
Council and Staff
CHA is governed by an elected Council of nine members and has a team of eight staff
Documents
See our strategic plan and other CHA documents
The Shift Aotearoa
The Shift wants Aotearoa’s housing system to emphasise human rights and Te Tiriti
Community Housing Solutions
CHS is the consulting arm of CHA

Homes provided by community housing organisations
People Housed
About Us
Community Housing Aotearoa is the peak body for New Zealand’s community housing sector. Our 90 provider members house approximately 35,000 people nationally across 18,520 homes. Our 19 partner members include developers, consultants and local councils.
Our Vision is to make sure every New Zealander is well-housed in a warm, safe, dry and affordable home. This is a human right.
We work to support the growth and development of community housing providers to enable them to provide affordable and social housing.
We want to demonstrate that community housing is a critical element alongside private and government owned housing. No one can do it alone.
Community Housing Aotearoa aims to:
- be the voice of the community housing sector
- build capacity and foster collaboration
- promote best practice in housing policy
- champion quality and excellence.
CHA members include full members: community groups, housing trusts, Māori and Pacifica housing providers and tenancy services; and partner members: local authorities, private developers and private housing businesses, who are delivering community housing solutions through-out New Zealand. More on membership here.
Frequently Asked Questions about CHA
Is Community Housing Aotearoa a government agency, a charity or a private company?
Community Housing Aotearoa (CHA) is not a Government agency. We are an incorporated society and a registered charity focussed on supporting groups to create affordable and social housing throughout New Zealand.
How is Community Housing Aotearoa different from Housing New Zealand (Kāinga Ora)?
CHA represents the interests of its member community housing organisations who provide a non-governmental community-based alternative to state Kāinga Ora (HNZC) and private provision of housing. Typically community housing organisations are not-for-profit and meet affordable housing need in local communities. This is different to housing provided by Government owned, Kāinga Ora (Housing New Zealand), in their state houses.
Does Community Housing Aotearoa oversee the building of the houses?
CHA does not build or supply housing itself. We support our member community housing groups who oversee the building, purchasing and tenancies of homes for families and individuals needing access to affordable housing in New Zealand communities.
Who is eligible to become a Community Housing Aotearoa member?
Membership of Community Housing Aotearoa is open to all individuals, iwi, groups, organisations and businesses that operate, own, invest, partner, develop or reside in affordable, community and/or social housing, providing their aims and objectives are consistent with the objectives of Community Housing Aotearoa.
Who is a partner member of CHA?
CHA has full members and partner members. Full members are community or voluntary housing organisations, or groups of tenants of community housing. Partner members are individuals, local authorities, private development companies, and other private and public entities which invest, operate, own or develop affordable, community and/or social housing. Local authority housing providers are partner members. The CHA constitution will tell you more.
What are the benefits of being a Community Housing Aotearoa member?
If you are part of the community housing sector you will want to join to stay up-to-date with sector news, events and resources. We provide advice to members and best practice guidance to help develop their organisation and their service. One of the main benefits for members is their ability to take part in discussions that will shape the future of community housing in New Zealand.
Contact Us
Level 11, Ranchhod Tower
39 The Terrace/102-112 Lambton Quay
PO Box 11543
Wellington 6142