Housing New Zealand has spent $4.9 million on homes in Tauranga despite the Government announcing it will sell off up to 2000 properties nationally at undisclosed locations - with ministers expected to report to cabinet in November after engagement with community housing providers and iwi.
Figures from Housing New Zealand show in the 2013/14 year it built nine new homes in the city at a total cost of $3 million and five new four-bedroom homes in 2014/15 at $1.93 million with more projects underway.
Negotiations were also in place at Pyes Pa and Judea with new developments planned for the suburbs as numbers on the waiting list continue to grow.
Area manager Teresa Pou said it was Housing New Zealand's role to provide safe and affordable homes for people in the greatest need.
"We regularly sell, purchase, redevelop and refurbish properties around the country on an ongoing basis as part of our day-to-day business. It's about having enough homes of the right size in the right places to meet demand."