This private bill varies the trust deed of the Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust, settled on 19 February 2016 to manage Christchurch City Council's community housing portfolio and address housing supply and affordability in Christchurch and Banks Peninsula. The trust — the largest provider of community and affordable housing in the South Island — would be able to provide social and affordable rental housing and associated services outside that original area. The bill is before Parliament; its first reading was agreed on 18 February 2026.
A private bill that changes the trust deed of the Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust — the not-for-profit that manages Christchurch City Council's former community housing and is the South Island's largest provider of community and affordable homes. At present the trust can only operate in Christchurch and Banks Peninsula. The bill would lift that geographic limit so it can also provide social and affordable rental housing, and related services, elsewhere in the South Island.
The trust was set up in 2016 and now manages more than 2,400 homes. It says the change responds to requests from neighbouring communities and to a regional housing plan, and would strengthen the trust rather than draw resources away from Christchurch. A private bill deals with a specific organisation rather than general law; this one is sponsored by Christchurch MP Megan Woods.
See the Parliament.nz ↗ site for the full bill.