Local Housing Trust and Council unite to promote additional dwellings
7 Oct 2025, 1:35 PM
Kāpiti Coast District Council and the Homes for Good Trust have combined forces to provide more information about housing solutions for the fast-growing district. With workshops starting in October, they are encouraging people to consider how an additional dwelling could house family members or be used as a rental for people needing well-designed, warm, dry, affordable, and accessible homes.
It's well known that if Kāpiti Coast continues to grow at its current rate, the district will be short of the right number, locations, and housing solutions future populations will need. Additional dwellings are smaller 1-2 bedroom homes, built on land that already has essential services, offer flexible options for families, seniors, and renters.
The Homes for Good Trust is a newcomer to this mahi but already has a good feel for future housing needs of seniors in central Kāpiti Coast suburbs. Trust chair Peter Ryan says their public meetings and extensive research of each suburb’s present housing is throwing up some really hard questions for policymakers. “Who will provide affordable 1–2 bedroom homes for seniors with limited capital and high reliance on Superannuation?”, asks Mr Ryan.
Photo credit: Niche Group
“In the current rental market, there are only one or two smaller houses for rent and these average about $460 per week. This is often out of reach for many seniors. However, all predictions indicate the number of seniors having to rent their ‘forever home’ will double over the next 20 years.”
Dr Jacqui Murray, a researcher with the Trust, highlights a surprising insight from the last Census. “Central Kāpiti, especially Waikanae Beach, has one of the highest rates of unoccupied homes. These properties could be upgraded or better yet, host an Additional Dwelling – if they fit within Council criteria,” says Dr Murray.
Homes for Good will host three community workshops introducing Council’s new Additional Dwelling Guide. The same workshop is being offered at different venues and times.
- Thursday 23 October, 6-8pm, Grace Hall, 6 Tongariro St, Paraparaumu
- Wednesday 5 November, 2-4pm, Waikanae Memorial Hall, Waikanae
- Tuesday 18 November, 2-4pm, Ocean Road Community Centre, Paraparaumu
Attendees will learn about design best practices, Council processes, and recent changes to the Building Act that make it easier to build ‘Granny Flats’ and similar dwellings.
“We’re inviting homeowners, builders, real estate professionals, and anyone interested in housing solutions to join us,” says Robin Gunston, Trust Secretary. “Spaces are limited, so please register early.”
To register for one of the three workshops held in central Kapiti, you can go to: https://www.homesforgood.nz. Further workshops will be planned with other community organisations in Paekākāriki and Otaki, in the coming months.