The first homes built through the Government’s Homes for Families programme have been officially opened, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony taking place at Linton Military Camp in Manawatū yesterday.
Defence Minister, Chris Penk (pictured, left) said the modern, high quality homes had been delivered for military families ahead of schedule and under budget.
“Just seven months after shovels hit the ground, I am delighted to join in celebrating the opening of 23 new homes for military families, including eight at Linton Military Camp, five at Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Ohakea and 10 at Burnham Military Camp,” Mr Penk says.
“Thanks to the professionalism and drive of our Defence Estate and Infrastructure team, our partners at Penny Homes and other key stakeholders, these builds have been delivered ahead of schedule and under budget, allowing us to add more projects to the construction pipeline.”
The Minister said more homes will be ready for military families in the coming months and, alongside new builds, additional homes are planned through long-term leases in Devonport, Trentham, and Whenuapai.
“The Homes for Families programme recognises that providing personnel and their whānau with a warm, safe, dry home is central to their wellbeing. It will also help ease housing affordability pressures by providing options in high-cost areas,” said Mr Penk.
“In addition to giving Defence personnel and their families modern places to thrive, the construction of these homes supports jobs in the communities which surround our military camps and bases, boosting economic activity in the regions.
“Today’s ribbon-cutting represents an important construction milestone and reflects our commitment to improving living conditions for our sailors, soldiers and aviators, so they can give their best while serving and protecting New Zealand.
“I look forward to these houses becoming much-loved homes for our hardworking New Zealand Defence Force personnel and their families for many years to come.”
The Government intends to invest up to $600 million into the Homes for Families programme through the 2025 Defence Capability Plan (DCP).
