31 Oct 2025: Pensioner housing

Media: Local Democracy Reporter

Topic: Council pensioner housing

Enquiry

I am following up on a report of homeless people potentially sleeping in vacant units at some of the council’s pensioner housing sections.

Have some questions below:

• How many vacant units are there across Rotorua’s pensioner housing blocks at present?
• Are council aware of any incident of homeless people occupying these vacant units?
• One member of the public reported a lurker to the police recently and said a member of council staff did find sleeping gear at a vacant lot, can you confirm this? (Aware this does not necessarily mean both incidents are related)
• What safety measures are in place to avoid the vacant units being used for squatters or the unhoused?

On a related note:

• Is occupying vacant units something council hopes is more manageable/achievable after the partnership with Emerge comes into place?
• What is the current state of play with the Emerge deal?

Response

We provided the following information:

Please see below in response to your questions re: pensioner housing. You can attribute the response to Stavros Michael, Group Manager - Infrastructure and Environment.

How many vacant units are there across Rotorua’s pensioner housing blocks at present?

46

Are council aware of any incident of homeless people occupying these vacant units?

No

One member of the public reported a lurker to the police recently and said a member of council staff did find sleeping gear at a vacant lot, can you confirm this? (Aware this does not necessarily mean both incidents are related)

Some personal items were found hidden behind wheelie bins but nothing inside vacant units.

What safety measures are in place to avoid the vacant units being used for squatters or the unhoused?

The units are locked up and linked to a master system and council staff or contractors are regularly at the pensioner unit complexes.

Is occupying vacant units something council hopes is more manageable/achievable after the partnership with Emerge comes into place?

Most vacant units required a complete refurbishment before they can be tenanted, and refurbishments occur as council budgets allow. Prioritising refurbishment of units will need to align with any long-term redevelopment plans as part of our partnership with Emerge Aotearoa.

What is the current state of play with the Emerge deal?

The transition to the new arrangement is currently underway, including engagement with tenants to understand their needs, and undertaking outstanding maintenance and works required to ensure all units are up to Healthy Homes Standards before handing them over to Emerge Aotearoa to manage.