PHOTO: Asian Military Review magazine
New Zealand’s military is engaged in a battle on the home front, contending with the deterioration of hundreds of government-owned houses. This struggle is compounded by a war of attrition, as the Defence Force has reportedly lost about a third of its uniformed personnel over the past three years, partly attributed to inadequate housing.
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In a recent report, the Defence Force acknowledged that while its homes would meet Healthy Homes standards, they remain “unfit for modern living” and pose health risks, leading to housing-related stress. The proposed solution involves a $1.011 billion infusion over 25 years, along with an additional $2 billion from the existing budget, to create 1628 modern quality homes.
The Crown has now been obliged to hand over 270 of the navy’s houses to Marutūāhu under a settlement
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Former and current defense personnel, speaking anonymously, revealed challenges such as poorly insulated houses with draughty windows and expensive heating. Despite apparent benefits, personnel highlighted issues like rising rents and the impact on overall living costs, particularly affecting young families and mid-career individuals.
The naval base in Devonport, one of Auckland’s expensive areas, faces acute challenges. The Crown is relinquishing 270 navy houses to Marutūāhu under a settlement, leaving just 27 homes in the suburb. The navy’s report on relocating its base to Whangārei emphasizes improved well-being, work-life balance, and housing accessibility. However, a full move is deemed significantly costlier than staying in Devonport.
An example of housing owned by the Defence Force in Devonport.
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Another challenge is the six-year limit on living in navy-subsidized housing, forcing personnel to seek extensions or find alternative housing solutions. With Defense jobs reportedly below civilian equivalents by at least 5%, some as high as 18%, retaining skilled personnel becomes increasingly difficult.
To address these issues, the Defense Force is transitioning from a landlord to a tenant, planning to rent properties in various locations. The proposed $3 billion “Homes for Families” program aims to modernize the aging housing stock. Despite gaining initial approval, the implementation awaits a full business case, and the commitment of the newly-appointed Defence Minister, Judith Collins, remains uncertain.
SOURCE: STUFF