Ruapehu District Mayor, Weston Kirton and Council Chief Executive, Clive Manley have met with senior NZ Defence Force (NZDF) personnel to discuss how the Council can support a plan to build homes for more than 200 personnel in Waiouru.
The first $75 million stage of the Homes for Families project will see the NZDF build 50 new homes on newly developed land at the Waiouru training base in partnership with local iwi Ngāti Rangi.
The NZDF estimates it will require 211 homes to support military and civilian personnel in Waiouru and has plans to modernise a further 161 homes in a second stage of the project.
Mr Manley said Council has a pivotal role in assisting any large-scale housing or other development project in the district to run as smoothly as possible.
“By taking a proactive approach we can help ensure that any large-scale development proceeds smoothly, complies with legislative requirements, and are completed on time and within budget,” he said.
“Our relationship with the NZDF is of paramount importance, reflecting a long history of cooperation and mutual assistance.
“Council’s support of Homes for Families helps ensure a safer and more connected community while enhancing the region’s resilience,” said Mr Manley.
Defence Estate and Infrastructure, General Manager Estate Strategy, Phil Gurnsey said the Waiouru training facilities needed to support all three NZDF services as well as other government agencies and international partners.
“Over the next 25 years we plan to spend around $490m on our Waiouru housing estate including new builds, upgrades, maintenance and utilities costs in support of NZDF operations,” said Mr Gurnsey.
“The ability to offer warm, dry, modern housing is a critical component in attracting and retaining personnel to Waiouru and looking after their wellbeing.
“It also provides the flexibility to post regular force members and their whanau to Waiouru at short notice.
“The cooperation between the NZDF and Council underscores our shared commitment to community development and resilience, ensuring that Waiouru remains a thriving and supportive environment for both military personnel and local residents,” he said.
A tender for a main contractor for the first 50 new homes was released on 12 June and will close on 1pm on 24 July.
