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Seven newly built Kāinga Ora homes in Invercargill will help families in need of social housing.
In Mavora Cr, two four-bedroom homes have been built on a site where two smaller state homes once stood.
Delivered as part of Kāinga Ora’s renewal programme, the development replaces two ageing two-bedroom properties that had reached the end of their life as social housing.
In Eye St, five new one or two-bedroom homes have been built by Ewi Developments and bought by Kāinga Ora.
Otago and Southland regional director Liz Krause said the Mavora Cr homes were ideal for families because of their size and closeness to schools, shops and other essential services.
"These homes will make a real difference for the families moving in, particularly the children, who will benefit from having stable housing and the opportunity to become part of a community."
Kāinga Ora is aiming to replace or renovate about 2000 homes a year to improve the overall quality of its housing stock.
Earlier this year as part of this initiative three more homes became available and now had tenants living in them.
One tenant said, as a mother, receiving a Kainga Ora home had meant more for her whānau than words "truly express".
"It has given us a fresh start at a time when we felt there was very little hope left."
Living in a new build allowed the family to begin again in a safe, warm and healthy environment.
"We no longer have the constant worry of living in a house that could make us sick, being unable to afford rent, or fearing that our home could be sold and leave us without stability."
The home had brought the whānau closer.
"We feel safer, more settled, and able to focus on what truly matters: raising the children, creating positive memories, and building a better future."
Invercargill Mayor Tom Campbell said the new homes looked great.
"We very much appreciate this addition to the city housing stock as there is a growing need for social housing in the city."
Kāinga Ora owns 423 state homes in Invercargill.— Allied Media