Accessibility and luxury in the New Zealand housing market.

Are the national media ready to open spaces where a political debate can have a place? Is the Environment Court going to rule in favour of the people? What type of tourism approach New Zealand wants to have? What type housing market is needed in New Zealand to protect the people living in it?

Accessibility and luxury in New Zealand housing market.

Property prices in New Zealand have surged by 24% since 2017, with the median house sale price in Queenstown reaching a staggering $1,270,000. 

The question arises: Is this a problem with the availability of houses or their accessibility? How is the housing shortage issues affecting New Zealand market?  

“We know there are enough houses being built and there’s enough free, available housing, it’s just not accessible.” Stated Queenstown Lakes District councillor’s Matt Wong to The Guardian.

The importance of calling it a housing crisis.

How can we tackle this problem? “Even though the word crisis is around the community, the situation hasn’t been presented as a crisis by the Council or the government. We need to put the right words to it. People who are forced to sleep in their cars are not backpackers; they are homeless.”  Said Hannah Sullivan from the Queenstown Housing Initiative.

This lack of proper naming allows platforms like Airbnb to distance itself from the issue. Ironically, they have an online initiative titled: “Opening homes in times of crisis”, but since the local government does not want to admit there is a crisis, Airbnb can happily wash its hands off.

Problems, crises, and emergencies won't be addressed if they're not acknowledged as such. The crucial question arises: Who has the authority to name things? How can those living in their cars or in overcrowded houses be officially recognized as homeless?

Who determines whether Central Otago is in a rental housing crisis?

Mayor Glyn Lewers, while expressing his disappointment with the Court decision, acknowledges that there's insufficient evidence to correlate housing issues with the supply of visitor accommodation. 

An Infometric report released in 2017 by the QLDC titled: “Measuring the scale and scope of Airbnb in Queenstown-Lakes District.”, states: 

“We concluded that Airbnb has made a significant encroachment on the Queenstown-Lakes rental pool and made finding accommodation for residents substantially more difficult,” 

It's reasonable to assume that the situation has worsened since then. Why is the Mayor not trusting their own data?

To address this crisis, the subtle narrative that downplays the issue must cease. Accurate political labeling is essential. The value of the community must be acknowledged while recognizing it as a political problem. Significant questions need answers: Why does the Environment Court favor Airbnb in recent cases? Why is luxury housing development on the rise? Who is purchasing such properties? Whose interests does the market serve? Why are the local and central governments not providing adequate tools for data collection? Where does the national media stand?

A call for Political Solutions to Central otago housing crisis

The housing crisis in Queenstown and Central Otago must not be framed as a confrontation between house owners and homeless individuals. Falling into that trap would only benefit Airbnb and the luxury housing market, allowing them to sidestep accountability.

Enhancing social awareness among citizens is crucial, as well as expanding options for property owners through social policies that foster a more appealing market for long-term rentals. An informed long-term housing strategy can regulate platforms like Airbnb while introducing improved tenancy laws that ensure the comfort of both tenants and owners. The goal is to offer diverse options and break the homogenization of the market.

In the face of rising house prices, unaffordability, and the pressing need for change, it's imperative that we confront the issues head-on. By acknowledging the significance of accessible housing and the impact of luxury housing developments, we can collectively work towards a more equitable and sustainable future. It's time to rewrite the narrative, push for comprehensive solutions, and ensure that the voices of those affected by these challenges are heard. 

To have a better future with adequate living standards, the deepest discussions need to happen. Are the national media ready to open spaces where a political debate can have a place? Is the Environment Court going to rule in favour of the people? What type of tourism approach New Zealand wants to have? What type housing market is needed in New Zealand to protect the people living in it?