30 Napier flats sit empty a year as 450+ wait for homes

A government-owned block of 30 flats on Napier's Wellesley Road has been vacant for twelve months since its July 2024 purchase. The Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport cannot find a community housing provider to buy and run the properties. Over 450 households wait on Napier's social housing list. Housing Minister Chris Bishop is frustrated but has set no deadline for resolving the stalemate.