Nelson MP Nick Smith is seeking funding support from Housing New Zealand’s Innovation Fund for Abbeyfield’s Mata Close House Project in Tahananui. 

“Abbeyfield Nelson wishes to build their second house project at the Mata Close site to provide family-style housing for older people. I believe that this project deserves the support of the Housing Innovation Fund and I have briefed Housing Minister Phil Heatley on the project

Housing Minister Phil Heatley visited the Mata Close site with Nelson MP Nick Smith at 10.30am today.

“The first Abbeyfield house in New Zealand was built in Nelson in 1994 and is a successful home for independent older Nelsonians who enjoy the homely atmosphere and companionship. There is community buy-in to support the project, with donations of time, money and services.

“This project has been ready to go since 2005 with a finalised concept plan, completed engineering studies of the property, resource consent and a freehold site to build on. Three Abbeyfield projects have previously received Housing Innovation Fund money and provided wonderful homes for older residents in Golden Bay, Waikato and Auckland.

“This small but important project would provide a much needed boost to the Nelson economy as well as providing a wider range of housing options for our growing older population.”