Home-ownership push

The Government could go to the community for help in tackling falling home-ownership rates across New Zealand, and particularly in Auckland.

But the idea, to be pitched by Housing Minister Chris Carter today, has already been rejected as "unnecessary bureaucracy" by housing sector groups.

Although the proposals are not yet Government policy, Mr Carter said there was a "considerable public mandate" for the Government to defend the New Zealand tradition of home ownership. In the 10 years to 2001, home ownership rates slipped from 74 to 68 per cent.

Official estimates suggest the rate could now be down around 65 per cent, and possibly as low as 61 per cent in housing hotspots such as Auckland.

During the same period the nominal house price has grown 70 per cent.

Mr Carter says partnerships between the Government and church groups, councils, iwi and community trusts to build affordable housing is one of a range of options to solve the problem.