Opinion: Sections good news for property market

There will be 89 sections in the new subdivision off Pukehangi Rd. Photo / Stephen Parker

More good news today for those who've been looking in vain for somewhere to build their dream home in Rotorua.

The news of another major subdivision, with 89 sections, follows last month's announcement of 24 sections in the Baxendale subdivision - which are set to be auctioned this month.

In even better news mayor Steve Chadwick says there are more going through the consenting process that are yet to be publicly announced by their developers.

The shortage of sections has been a recurring factor in this paper's property stories over the past year or more. With house prices rising, supply not keeping up with demand, a shortage of rentals and more people moving to the city the obvious solutions seemed to be to build more houses. But, until recently, there was nowhere to do that.

The new subdivisions won't just benefit builders and those wanting to build their own home, but in the longer term should take some pressure off the market, thereby benefiting everyone looking to buy or rent.

It's a good step in the right direction and we shall watch with interest for more announcements.

In other news, there have been some interesting releases from Rotorua Lakes Council this week.

In March we reported the council was looking at options for a revamp of the city's skate park, ranging from $400,000 to $4 million. The proposal tabled this week falls somewhere in the middle, at $2.1m - although that doesn't include art features, car parking and access or other associated facilities.

Yes, it's a lot of money. But young people (who will be the majority - but not all - of its users) are part of this city too. It's safe to say I will never personally use that skate park - I'm far too unco-ordinated - but if it will be well-used and give young people a place to go and a healthy activity to take part in, then I am all for it.

It's a significant investment but an investment in our youth is worth making.

Along with the plans for the skate park were the pretty artist's impressions for the shared library and children's health hub. After all the talk and controversy prior to the election, work has been steaming ahead and it's scheduled to open in just six months or so.

I was most interested to see Jean Batten Park next door with its in-ground trampolines. Crikey, I thought. Let's hope my fellow citizens are not as unco-ordinated as I.