Key Takeaways:
- The 2six5 on Fenton transitional housing facility in Rotorua is being shut down due to issues with a geothermal bore that provides heating and hot water.
- Residents have been told they must leave the premises by the end of February and are being supported into other accommodation.
- The facility was previously a motel that was purchased by the Labour Government in 2021 for $8.1m to provide transitional housing for up to 70 people.
- The closure of the facility is part of the Government’s plan to end the emergency housing motel scheme by the end of the year.
- Residents are being matched with alternative housing, including Kāinga Ora homes in the Rotorua region.
Introduction to the Issue
The 2six5 on Fenton transitional housing facility in Rotorua has been facing water issues for several months, with residents experiencing problems with green water and being provided with alternative water supplies. The facility, which was previously a motel, was purchased by the Labour Government in 2021 for $8.1m to provide transitional housing for up to 70 people. However, due to issues with a geothermal bore that provides heating and hot water, the facility is being shut down and residents are being told they must leave by the end of February.
The Reason for Closure
According to Kāinga Ora’s director of supported housing, Lucy Ashby, the geothermal bore has reached the end of its operational life and needs to be either capped or replaced by February. WorkSafe was advised of the issue and has been involved in ensuring the safety of the facility. Ashby stated that this type of issue is not uncommon in Rotorua and that WorkSafe’s involvement is standard practice. The decision to close the facility was made after careful consideration, as it would be very disruptive to residents to stay while the work is completed, resulting in extended periods of time without hot water or heating.
History of the Facility
The $8.1m sale of the Boulevard Motel to the Government raised eyebrows in July 2021, with some questioning the value of the purchase. The motel was reopened in August 2022 under the new name 2six5 on Fenton, with the Government contracting Wera Aotearoa Charitable Trust to manage the transitional house and provide wrap-around support for those living there. The facility was intended to house up to 70 people for up to 12 weeks before they could move into long-term rentals, with those who qualify for transitional housing paying 25% of their income in rent.
Community Reaction
The use of motels for emergency housing in Rotorua has been a contentious issue, with many in the community feeling that they should have been consulted before the facility was established. The Rotorua Lakes Council came under fire for granting the ministry a resource consent to operate the motel as long-term transitional housing without public notification. This sparked a legal battle led by lobby group Restore Rotorua, which ultimately resulted in future resource consent applications for other emergency housing motels being publicly notified.
The Future of the Facility
The closure of the 2six5 on Fenton facility is part of the Government’s plan to end the emergency housing motel scheme by the end of the year. The Government has announced that there are no more households living in contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua, with only two non-contracted providers remaining. Kāinga Ora is considering future options for the site, taking into account the bore and potential other work required. Residents are being matched with alternative housing, including Kāinga Ora homes in the Rotorua region, with Wera Aotearoa Charitable Trust working to support them through the transition.
Conclusion
The closure of the 2six5 on Fenton transitional housing facility is a significant development in the Government’s efforts to address the housing crisis in Rotorua. While the facility has provided much-needed support for those in need, the issues with the geothermal bore have made it necessary to shut down the facility and find alternative accommodation for residents. As the Government moves forward with its plan to end the emergency housing motel scheme, it is essential that it continues to prioritize the needs of those who are most vulnerable and works to provide stable and secure housing options for all.