PHOTO: Chris Bennett Photo: Sharon Brettkelly
When Chris Bennett told people he wanted to build 100 affordable homes for $150,000 each in Golden Bay in the next three years, they said he’d never do it.
But number one house is underway, and within weeks a couple, will move in under a rent-to-own scheme.
Bennett is paying for the two-bedroom, 60 square metre house from his own retirement fund because he says there is no finance available in New Zealand for affordable housing.
Today The Detail visits Bennett on the site of that first house, just outside of Collingwood, to hear about his ambitious plans to build at least 30 houses a year for the next three years for people to either rent, or rent to buy.
The former World Bank civil engineer explains how he has set up Golden Bay/Mohua Affordable Housing Project with his formula for providing low cost homes for people in need.
Canadian-born, he came to New Zealand 40 years ago. He retired from his job less than two months ago after he suffered a serious head injury in a bike crash.
READ MORE VIA RNZ