Councillor's Comment- Matty Anderson

Nelson has 209 new social and affordable homes underway this year. I think that is an outrageous sentence.

It wasn’t a feat achieved by Nelson City Council, but we were part of the team. We have Central Government, Community Housing Providers and Council, which is pretty much you guys. I’m oversimplifying. It is complicated, challenging work with many players and moving parts. It works because the many players have a shared vision and are fierce.

I have been to many openings of housing developments this year. Present are tradies, architects, suppliers, social services, politicians, everybody – most importantly, the families. All are connected in the process and the outcome, which is unique but feels right. This changes lives. Secure, safe housing and in particular home ownership is a circuit breaker for families used to the opposite. Health, education and employment are positively affected and this is intergenerational. Very disruptive.

We have other initiatives as well. When I say “we”, I don’t mean Council. I refer to the collection of professionals, organisations, advocates and “the people”. There is a significant shortage of one and two-bedroom dwellings. The good old Salvation Army has done great work securing Central Government funding for 81 homes.

Our most vulnerable are our homeless and rough sleepers. Many will be captured and supported better once we have safe homes for them. A lot will not. This cohort are not evil, nor are they invisible. These behaviours are trauma informed. They are not contributing to their homelessness. They are unwell human beings with human rights.

I was in this space many years ago and I can tell you, not having a home was nowhere near the worst thing going on in my life. Since then, I have spent years working in mental health, addiction and disability. I can tell you as someone a little informed, it is very complicated and often tragic. So, what are we doing? I don’t believe we are doing enough.

Council staff did some great work looking at needs and gaps. We have a contract with the Male Room to support men and are now working with Nelson Women’s Centre to help support homeless women, some with children, into housing. We still have work to do. Rest assured if we get an opportunity – a partner with expertise and access to funding – we will respond.

Two hundred and nine homes is good news. I’m proud of our team and I’m proud of Nelson.