KAITIAKI OF Land
Waikato Community Lands Trust was founded to be the kaitiaki of Trust land for the current and future generations. The Charitable Trust was established in 2020 with the primary purpose of supporting the provision of affordable housing to meet the diverse needs of the community in the Waikato Region.
With a unique structure based on community land and housing trusts around the world, the Trust aims to address housing issues in various ways, including holding land for housing in perpetuity and serving as the long-term steward for affordable housing on behalf of the community.
FOR waikato
We care for, and serve our Waikato Community. We believe that people in the Waikato deserve to have access to affordable and quality housing.
Our vision: Every person and every family in the Waikato is well housed.
Our purpose: To be the kaitiaki of Trust land for current and future generations, ensuring perpetual access to affordable housing.
Outcomes: The Waikato people have access to affordable and quality housing across the social and affordable housing spectrum.
With the rising demand for affordable homes across New Zealand, a secure and permanent home has become harder to achieve. With a strong partnership with Habitat for Humanity, the Trust is focussed on a clear goal of providing LAND FOR LIFE; offering innovative and affordable housing solutions, and ADVOCACY and INFLUENCE related to housing matters such as Inclusionary Zoning.
What we do
Waikato Community Lands Trust owns property and is the Kaitiaki (guardian) of the land in perpetuity (forever). The property, or funds to purchase/develop property, is donated through Waikato Councils, general donations or through Inclusionary Zoning actions.
Holding property in a Community Lands Trust ensures that the property is held in the community’s control and ensures its affordability over time.
The structures held on Community Trust Land are managed by Habitat for Humanity, and various housing models are implemented to meet specific needs.
LAND FOR LIFE
Waikato Community Lands Trust advocates for inclusionary zoning and other policies to enable the construction of affordable housing on Trust land.
Inclusionary zoning ensures that new housing developments include a mix of affordable properties alongside market-rate properties. This promotes diversity and creates more inclusive communities. Inclusionary zoning policies and practices can be implemented effectively through a variety of ways by central and local government alongside developers.
Waikato Community Lands Trust also aims to influence government policies and bank credit policies that encourage and grow affordable housing stock in the Waikato.
ADVOCACY AND INFLUENCE
KEY PARTNERS
Habitat for Humanity: Habitat for Humanity Central Region is a Community Housing Provider and registered charity that supports individuals and whānau to buy, improve, or rent a place to call home. Habitat Central works with communities across the Waikato through to Wellington.
Waikato Housing Initiative: Waikato Housing Initiative is a collective of community members, businesses and representatives of both local and central government, all united by the shared concern for housing issues and a desire to improve housing outcomes within our communities.
WEL Energy Trust: WEL Energy Trust, formed in 1993, is the 100% shareholder of WEL Networks, a local lines company. Dividends from WEL Networks are returned to electricity consumers through rebates and community grants programmes. We thank the Trust for funding received to continue our work in the community.
HOUSING MODELS
Working alongside Habitat for Humanity, we aim to address various housing needs in the Waikato.
Waikato Community Lands Trust continually assesses housing needs in the Waikato based on studies completed, and aims to provide solutions for those needs.
Housing Register Availability
There are thousands on the Housing Register (24,717 as at June 2023) in need of a safe, warm and dry home. We aim to provide homes for those currently in this situation, to bring stability and a safe and healthy place to call home.
Progressive Ownership or Leasehold Sales
To provide purchasing opportunity for an affordable home on Waikato Community Lands Trust (WCLT) owned land. WCLT registers a long-term lease over the land in your name, giving you the right to occupy the home for your lifetime. You don’t have to purchase land, but the monthly ground rent to WCLT for use of the land. WCLT has the right to purchase back for price + inflation. This option is for low to mid-income whanau in need of housing who otherwise wouldn’t be able to achieve home ownership without some support.
Further housing models being developed
Waikato Community Lands Trust is currently assessing and developing further housing models to meet needs in the community.
Watch this space!