Senior housing recommendation panel to be formed for Inangahua Ward
Buller District Council (BDC) and the Inangahua Community Board (ICB) are working together to ensure that the Inangahua Ward’s community voice is heard when recommending tenants for local senior housing units in the future.
At yesterday’s ICB meeting, it was decided that a senior housing tenant recommendation panel (SHTRP) is to be formed, based in the successful model already operating in Karamea. The panel will provide recommendations to council, although not be directly involved actual unit allocation.
Inangahua Community Board Chair, councillor Linda Webb says: “Ensuring that local voices are heard in decisions around senior housing is essential. These choices have a direct impact on our community, and it’s important the perspectives and needs of our residents are meaningfully considered throughout the process.”
The panel will be composed of one current ICB member (with a second ICB member as back-up in the absence of the first member), one Reefton Visitor and Service Centre (RVSC) staff member, one Reefton-based health professional to ensure health sector input (current or previous, as identified by the ICB), and one Westport-based BDC staff member (to guide the correct process and to provide an additional layer of transparency). The BDC contact will be responsible for reviewing the panel’s recommendations and oversee the final placement.
Group Manager Community Services Krissy Trigg says: “Anyone wishing to discuss specific situations should contact staff at the RVSC directly or reach out to BDC by phone or email. The recommendation process and panel discussions regarding potential tenants will take place separately from the ICB meetings to ensure the privacy of individuals is protected. In the same way, we kindly ask that individual housing needs not be raised with the board during ICB meetings.”
The general procedure to be followed is that once an existing senior housing tenant terminates their tenancy with BDC, a meeting will be arranged between all SHTRP members, either in person or virtually to discuss the person identified as being the most in need of the accommodation.
The panel will then ensure that the applicant meets the application criteria, and BDC will use the SHTRP recommendation to assist with allocating a tenant to the vacant unit.
Additionally, the SHTRP members will meet six-monthly, or as required, to discuss any tenant or asset maintenance concerns. Any rental increases or asset management plans will remain with BDC, as per current operational processes.
“This streamlined process will be beneficial for Inangahua Ward residents, allowing a greater degree of community representation by incorporating community input into operational decision-making processes that support our seniors” concludes Ms Trigg.
-ENDS-
For further information please contact:
Community Engagement Team
Buller District Council
Media.Enquiries@bdc.govt.nz
Disclaimer
The information in this media release was correct at time of publication. Changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information.