30 Napier flats sit empty for a year while 450+ wait for social housing

A government-owned block of 30 flats on Wellesley Road in Napier has remained vacant for twelve months since its July 2024 purchase. The Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport has been unable to find a community housing provider willing to buy and operate the properties. More than 450 households are on Napier's social housing waitlist. Housing Minister Chris Bishop expressed extreme frustration but has not set a deadline for resolution.