Wellington Community Coalition Advocates for Public Housing Retention at Strathmore Park

A coalition of nine housing advocates, churches, and social service organisations is calling on Kāinga Ora to immediately withdraw the proposed sale of three publicly owned housing sites in Wellington. As reported by Waatea News on Thursday, 15 October 2026, the group argues that retaining the land is essential for addressing the current housing shortage and providing future opportunities for affordable homes. The sites, located at 4, 6, and 8 Nuku Street in Strathmore Park, are currently being marketed via a deadline sale set to close on 21 October. The coalition has sent an open letter to Kāinga Ora Chief Executive Tracey Taylor, urging the agency to keep the properties in public ownership until after the general election on 7 November. Strathmore Housing Action representative Lizzie Pringle, who organised the letter, expressed concerns that a sale so close to the election could overlook potential changes in public housing priorities under a new government. Supporting the call, Downtown Community Ministry (DCM) Housing First Manager Natalia Albert noted that frontline services face significant barriers in finding suitable homes for whānau experiencing homelessness. With more than 600 households in Wellington currently waiting for public housing, Albert and the coalition argue that disposing of public land permanently limits the ability to increase the supply of necessary accommodation. Additional support for the retention of the land comes from Wesley Community Action Director David Hanna and Jim McAloon of the Catholic Archdiocese of Wellington. During a recent community forum, housing expert Dr Rebecca Kiddle and local candidates discussed how stable accommodation serves as the foundation for family wellbeing and community participation. The coalition maintains that these sites represent a vital resource for future generations and should be managed to meet long-term social needs.