Dixon Street Flats sold to iwi

The 11-storey building, which housed 117 units, was used for social housing for more than 80 years.

However, the age, condition and configuration of the building means it would need significant upgrading if we wanted to keep using it for social housing. The size of the building and the extent of the work required made the costs of upgrading extremely high, and the holding costs for ongoing security and maintenance are significant.

“As part of our reset we have been looking closely at our property portfolio to ensure we’re spending funds wisely and investing in the right places at the right time,” says Daniel Soughtton, Deputy Chief Executive Central.

“After carefully considering the cost and complexities of continuing to use this historic building for social housing, we decided selling it would be the best course of action as it would open up opportunities for others to make use of the building.”

The property was offered to iwi as part of a Right of First Refusal process under their Treaty settlement.

“We welcome the opportunity this provides for iwi to shape a positive future for this site,” he said.

Mr Soughtton says the decision to sell the Dixon Street Flats will not impact on the ability of Kāinga Ora to deliver on the government’s expectations for new social housing in Wellington.

All the customers who were living in the Dixon Street flat were supported to move into other Kāinga Ora homes that are warmer, healthier, and better suited to their needs.

• Read the Dixon Street information sheet [PDF, 288 KB]