Urban regeneration and social cohesion

Home Fires event. Photo: Dr Ella Henry.

Glen Innes was built in the 1950s, close to central Auckland, and was a primarily low socio-economic suburb, with a significant Māori population, living in State (social) housing.

Housing New Zealand transferred 2,700 properties to Tamaki Regeneration Company (TRC), a collaboration between Housing New Zealand and Auckland Council. The aging housing stock was built on large sections, and these houses are being replaced to increase density. The replacements are modern town-houses, with mixed typologies and occupation. Some have been sold at market rates, others remain social housing, developed and managed by TRC. During the on-going development, tenants are displaced. This has caused stress for many low-income families who have lived in the area for decades. TRC has initiated an extensive programme of collaboration with community organisations, with social goals to address these stresses.

A study by BBHTC researchers Ella Henry, Diane Menzies, and Jacqueline Paul, presented at the recent State of Australian Cities Conference in Perth, found that the relationship between TRC and community organisations dealing with the breakdown and replacement of this community has been pivotal in ameliorating some of those stressors and enabling empowerment for the communities being studied.

To read the PDF of the conference paper please follow the link below.

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