CHA Hub Podcast

In this episode, we speak with Katie Dalton, Director of Cymorth Cymru — the charity representing homelessness and housing support services across Wales.With a career spanning student politics, mental health policy, and housing advocacy, Katie has been at the centre of Wales's homelessness prevention journey for over a decade — including direct involvement in both the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 and the recently passed Homelessness and Social Housing Allocation (Wales) Act 2026.In this conversation, Katie shares how Wales shifted its homelessness system from gatekeeping to genuine prevention, and what a decade of implementation has taught her about what legislation alone cannot achieve. We explore the new 2026 Act — extending the prevention window to six months, abolishing priority need and intentionality tests, and placing Ask and Act duties on health and criminal justice services. Katie also reflects on co-designing law with experts by experience, the Cardiff and Vale Health Inclusion Service as a model of cross-sector partnership, and what any country considering similar reform needs to get right.We'd like to thank Katie for taking the time to speak with us for this episode.More information on this episode can be found in the episode description. And don't forget to subscribe to the CHA Hub Podcast — wherever you get your podcasts from.The CHA Hub Podcast is sponsored by our Founding Partner, Westpac New Zealand.

As sister cities, Aspen and Queenstown share more than scenic beauty; they're both wrestling with what happens when free-market real estate prices workers out of resort towns. Sara Ott, Aspen's city manager at the time of this interview, brings hard-won lessons from a community where the average home costs $13 million, yet mixed-income neighbourhoods thrive.We spoke with Sara about the housing pressures in Aspen and the parallels with the Queenstown Lakes region. In particular we spoke about Inclusionary Zoning and the partnership with developers required to benefit long-term communities through affordable housing initiatives.We'd like to thank Sara for taking his time to speak with us for this episode.Don't forget to subscribe to the CHA Hub Podcast where ever you get your podcasts from.The CHA Hub Podcast is sponsored by our Founding Partner, Westpac New Zealand.

In this CHA Case Study, we explore the Karamū development by Kāinga Maha – a project that showcases how inclusionary zoning and mixed-tenure housing can come together to create more equitable communities. Karamū is notable as one of the first developments in New Zealand to embed these principles at scale, balancing affordable, public, and market housing within a single neighbourhood to ensure diversity and long-term social cohesion.We spoke with Annie Wilson from Kāinga Maha about the thinking behind the Karamū development, the role of inclusionary zoning in enabling it, and what lessons can be drawn for other regions in New Zealand. Annie shared insights on how the project was shaped, the challenges faced along the way, and why inclusionary zoning may hold the key to unlocking more sustainable and inclusive housing solutions nationwide.We'd like to thank Annie and the team at Kāinga Maha for taking his time to speak with us for this episode.Don't forget to subscribe to the CHA Hub Podcast where ever you get your podcasts from.The CHA Hub Podcast is sponsored by our Founding Partner, Westpac New Zealand.

From teacher retention to student wellbeing, the housing crisis has become an educational issue in Queenstown, forcing schools to think like developers.Oded Nathan is the principal of Wakatipu High School in Queenstown, New Zealand. Leading a diverse school community of over 1,400 students and 140 staff members, he brings a thoughtful perspective on education, community development, and the challenges facing one of New Zealand's fastest-growing regions. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to student wellbeing and a pragmatic approach to addressing the housing and staffing challenges that impact schools in high-growth tourism centres.In this short interview, Oded discusses the extraordinary students and diverse community at Wakatipu High School, addressing common misconceptions about young people today. He provides candid insights into how Queenstown's housing crisis affects both students and staff, revealing that the school has already spent more on financial support for families in early 2024 than in all of 2023. Oded explores the practical challenges of staff retention and recruitment, with nearly 10 employees commuting from surrounding towns due to housing unaffordability. He also shares the school's proactive strategies for securing staff accommodation, from partnerships with local organisations to exploring land opportunities with developers, whilst reflecting on the broader question of what kind of community Queenstown wants to become.We'd like to thank Oded for talking time for this in-depth conversation. Don't forget to subscribe to the CHA Hub Podcast where ever you get your podcasts from.The CHA Hub Podcast is sponsored by our Founding Partner, Westpac New Zealand.

The Overton Shift - How public dialogue can unlock bold political action on housing affordability in New Zealand:In this episode we speak with Emily Irwin, Strategic Housing Planner at the Queenstown Lakes District Council. With a background rooted in community planning and housing policy, Emily brings a strong focus on affordability and inclusion to one of New Zealand’s most dynamic resort regions. Having joined the Council to drive the Joint Housing Action Plan and coordinate across iwi, central government and local partners, she’s shaping how housing density, land-use levers and workforce accommodation strategies are being activated in the district.In our conversation, Emily explores the tension between housing as shelter and housing as investment in New Zealand, arguing that our cultural fixation on property wealth has come at the cost of community function and economic productivity. She makes the case for inclusionary housing mechanisms as a tool to create perpetually affordable homes distributed across diverse neighbourhoods, avoiding the ghettoisation that can result from purely financial approaches. Emily emphasises that housing challenges ripple far beyond those directly affected: teacher and nurse shortages, business turnover costs, and fractured social connections all stem from unaffordable housing. She calls for broader public conversations to shift the Overton window, enabling politicians to act boldly, and challenges the assumption that market supply alone will solve affordability in high-value resort communities like Queenstown, where free-market dynamics can push average house prices into the millions.We'd like to thank Anita for talking time for this in-depth conversation. Don't forget to subscribe to the CHA Hub Podcast where ever you get your podcasts from.The CHA Hub Podcast is sponsored by our Founding Partner, Westpac New Zealand.

How Queenstown is leading New Zealand's inclusionary housing movement and why national legislation matters.In this episode we speak with Anita Vanstone, the Strategic Growth Manager at Queenstown Lakes District Council, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping the region's long-term planning and development strategy. With a background in urban planning, community development, and growth management, Anita works at the intersection of housing, infrastructure, and sustainability to ensure that the Queenstown Lakes area grows in a way that supports both residents and the natural environment. Her work focuses on balancing rapid population growth with the district's vision for liveable, inclusive, and well-connected communities, and she collaborates across council teams, government agencies, and the private sector to deliver integrated, evidence-based solutions for the region's future.Anita addresses the district's significant housing affordability challenges, where Queenstown Lakes holds the distinction of being New Zealand's most expensive place to both rent and buy. She outlines how the council employs inclusionary housing mechanisms to secure land and financial contributions from development, working in partnership with the Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust and central government to deliver perpetually affordable homes. Through practical examples, Anita demonstrates how strategic value capture can create housing opportunities for key workers, families, and elderly residents who might otherwise be priced out of the community. She makes a compelling case for national inclusionary zoning legislation, drawing on international precedents, and reframes housing as essential community infrastructure that requires collective responsibility. Anita emphasises that without proactive intervention, the district risks losing the teachers, healthcare workers, and service industry professionals who sustain the community's social and economic fabric.We'd like to thank Anita for talking time for this in-depth conversation. Don't forget to subscribe to the CHA Hub Podcast where ever you get your podcasts from.The CHA Hub Podcast is sponsored by our Founding Partner, Westpac New Zealand.

Dr Michael Rehm on Auckland's failed experiment and the path forwardDr Michael Rehm is a property academic at the University of Auckland Business School with over 20 years of experience researching New Zealand's housing market. During the formation of Auckland's unitary plan, Michael was engaged by Auckland Council to conduct feasibility studies and Section 32 analysis for proposed inclusionary zoning provisions. His work involved extensive consultation with developers, planners, and market stakeholders to understand the practical implications of requiring affordable housing in new developments. Through this research, Michael developed deep insights into both the technical mechanics of inclusionary housing and the political challenges of implementing market interventions in New Zealand's predominantly market-driven housing system.This conversation examines inclusionary housing as a planning tool to address housing affordability for people who can no longer access affordable housing and homes. Michael explains what went wrong with Auckland's earlier attempt at inclusionary zoning, including how developers exploited loopholes and why the absence of long-term stewards like community housing providers caused the initiative to collapse. The discussion explores critical design elements for successful implementation, including transparency requirements, the role of development contributions as incentives, and the need for regulations that ensure affordable units remain accessible across generations rather than becoming windfall gains for lucky individuals. Michael's analysis reveals that if New Zealand had adopted inclusionary zoning nationally in 2016, the country would now have approximately 20,000 perpetually affordable homes, a portfolio equivalent to the current social housing waitlist, that would continue growing year after year.We'd like to thank Michael for talking time for this in-depth conversation. Don't forget to subscribe to the CHA Hub Podcast where ever you get your podcasts from.The CHA Hub Podcast is sponsored by our Founding Partner, Westpac New Zealand.

Dr Patricia Austin on the legal frameworks, planning systems, and housing needs assessments that make inclusionary zoning work.In this episode we speak with Dr Patricia Austin, a leading housing policy expert at the University of Auckland, where her research focuses on affordable housing mechanisms, planning systems, and community development. With extensive international experience studying housing systems across the UK, USA, and New Zealand, she brings a comparative perspective to understanding how different legislative frameworks shape housing outcomes. Dr Austin was instrumental in developing New Zealand's 2007 Affordable Housing Enabling Territorial Authorities Act, and created the housing needs assessment methodology that accompanied it. Her practical expertise bridges academic research with on-the-ground policy implementation, making her a sought-after advisor for local councils navigating complex housing challenges.In this conversation, we explore inclusionary zoning as a mechanism for delivering affordable housing, with particular focus on Dr Austin's pivotal role in the Queenstown Lakes District inclusionary housing project. She explains the fundamental differences between property rights systems in New Zealand versus the UK and USA, and why these differences matter for implementing inclusionary policies. We discuss the critical importance of housing needs assessments, the various retention mechanisms that prevent affordable housing from flipping back to market rates, and why voluntary inclusionary zoning fails under New Zealand's Resource Management Act. Dr Austin also addresses the displacement caused by recent urban renewal programs, arguing that housing is far more than just physical shelter, it encompasses community connections, schools, churches, and family networks that are essential for vulnerable households to thrive.We'd like to thank Patricia for talking time for this in-depth conversation. Don't forget to subscribe to the CHA Hub Podcast where ever you get your podcasts from.The CHA Hub Podcast is sponsored by our Founding Partner, Westpac New Zealand.

Joining us for this episode is Professor Laurence Murphy, a leading voice in human geography at University of Auckland’s School of Environment. With a distinguished academic background that includes a PhD in urban economic geography from Trinity College Dublin and lecturing roles at renowned institutions including the London School of Economics, he brings deep insight to the intersection of finance, property and urban change. His current research explores how global capital flows reshape housing, urban governance and built environments, making him one of New Zealand’s foremost scholars on housing affordability, urban policy and the financialisation of cities.We sat down with Larry and discussed the role inclusionary housing and zoning could play in addressing New Zealand’s housing affordability crisis. He explained how planning systems overseas capture land value uplift to fund affordable housing, and why similar mechanisms could work here if backed by political commitment and strong planning frameworks. The conversation explored how market forces have failed to produce affordable housing for the public good, the barriers posed by financialisation and neoliberal economic thinking, and how international models, from the UK’s Section 106 system to U.S. density bonuses, demonstrate practical pathways for reform. Larry also reflected on the need to re-establish housing as social infrastructure, rethink our collective mindset around property as investment, and rebuild public trust in planning as a tool for equitable outcomes.We'd like to thank Larry for talking time for this in-depth conversation. Don't forget to subscribe to the CHA Hub Podcast where ever you get your podcasts from.The CHA Hub Podcast is sponsored by our Founding Partner, Westpac New Zealand.

In this episode, we sit down with Talavao Ngata the Pacific Policy Advisor at CHA, Tala's career bridges human rights, public policy, and community housing with a focus on the Pasifika community. Tala has built a career focused on equity, representation, and access — drawing on her lived experience and cultural identity to advocate for fairer outcomes across Aotearoa. Her work combines academic insight with deep community understanding, and a genuine passion for people and place. Our conversation explores Tala’s motivations and the values that drive her, from mentorship and inclusion to the belief that policy must reflect the realities of those it serves. She shares reflections on her career journey, the mentors who shaped her, and the responsibility that comes with creating space for others to thrive. It’s an inspiring discussion about purpose, leadership, and the kind of housing and social policy that can help all communities feel seen and supported.We'd like to thank Tala for taking the time for this conversation with us.Don't forget to subscribe to the CHA Hub Podcast where ever you get your podcasts from.The CHA Hub Podcast is sponsored by our Founding Partner, Westpac New Zealand.

Chris Glaudel is the Deputy Chief Executive of Community Housing Aotearoa, with decades of experience in affordable housing policy and development in both New Zealand and the United States. Before moving to Aotearoa, he worked extensively across California on inclusionary housing and value-capture mechanisms, bringing deep international insight into how planning and housing systems can be designed to deliver lasting affordability and social equity.In this episode we talk with Chris about how inclusionary housing, sometimes called inclusionary zoning, can help New Zealand address its growing housing inequities. He explains the concept in plain terms, discusses lessons from Queenstown Lakes and international examples, and outlines how national guardrails, local flexibility, and long-term community stewardship could enable a fairer, more resilient housing system for future generations.We'd like to thank Chris for taking time to speak with us for this Deep Dive Interview. And, don't forget to subscribe to the CHA Hub Podcast - wherever you get your podcasts from.The CHA Hub Podcast is supported by our Founding Partner: Westpac New Zealand.

In this episode, we talk with Annie Wilson, Chief Executive of Kāinga Maha, a community housing developer based in Christchurch, New Zealand. Annie has extensive experience across local government, policy, and housing development, bringing a grounded understanding of what it takes to deliver affordable and inclusive communities. Under her leadership, Kāinga Maha has been pioneering approaches that blend design quality, social outcomes, and long-term community stability — creating neighbourhoods that feel cohesive, welcoming, and enduring.Our conversation explores how Kāinga Maha is advancing mixed blind tenure — developments where affordable, market, and social housing are indistinguishable from one another. Annie explains how this model supports social integration and dignity for all residents, while tackling affordability at scale through partnership-based delivery with iwi, councils, and developers. We discuss inclusionary zoning, innovative funding structures, and the lessons learned from Kāinga Maha’s Christchurch projects that demonstrate what genuine, community-led housing can achieve in Aotearoa.We'd like to thank Annie for taking time to speak with us for this Deep Dive Interview. And, don't forget to subscribe to the CHA Hub Podcast - wherever you get your podcasts from.The CHA Hub Podcast is supported by our Founding Partner: Westpac New Zealand.

In this episode, we speak with Claire Dickinson, a leading planning and housing expert at Quod, one of the UK’s most respected consultancy firms specialising in planning, development, and socio-economic strategy. Claire brings extensive experience advising on major regeneration and housing projects across London and the wider UK — helping local authorities, developers, and housing associations navigate complex planning systems to deliver inclusive, sustainable communities. Her work bridges the policy and practical worlds, with particular expertise in affordable housing, viability assessments, and inclusionary zoning models that balance development ambition with social impact. Claire’s deep understanding of how planning tools like Section 106 agreements and the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), can be leveraged for housing outcomes has made her a trusted voice in shaping urban growth policy and innovative delivery models nationwide.We'd like to thank Claire for taking time to speak with us for this Deep Dive Interview. And, don't forget to subscribe to the CHA Hub Podcast - wherever you get your podcasts from.The CHA Hub Podcast is supported by our Founding Partner: Westpac New Zealand.

In this episode, we sit down with Jim Boult, former Mayor of the Queenstown Lakes District and a lifelong resident of the region. Jim has been at the centre of local leadership, navigating the pressures of one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing communities while advocating for solutions to some of its toughest challenges.Our conversation takes a close look at the housing crisis in the Queenstown Lakes District — from affordability and the impact on migrant and seasonal workers, to the strain on infrastructure and the wider implications for regional growth.We dive into policy solutions, including the role of inclusionary zoning as a potential tool to ensure more affordable homes are delivered alongside private development. Jim reflects on what has and hasn’t worked in Queenstown, and what lessons can be applied across New Zealand as other towns and cities face similar pressures.We'd like to thank Jim for taking time to speak with us for this Deep Dive Interview. And, don't forget to subscribe to the CHA Hub Podcast - wherever you get your podcasts from.The CHA Hub Podcast is supported by our Founding Partner: Westpac New Zealand.

In this episode we talk with Thomas Gibbons, a leading figure with the Waikato Community Lands Trust, where he plays a key role in shaping innovative approaches to community land ownership and affordable housing development. With a background in both law and governance, Thomas brings a wealth of expertise to the challenges of housing in New Zealand.We sat down with Thomas to explore inclusionary housing and zoning, amongst many other topics, and how they can drive new land supply for affordable homes. How leasehold models that halve costs, to shared-equity and community land trusts that hold land in community hands, he outlined practical ways to build a fairer, more secure housing system for the future We'd like to thank Thomas for taking time to speak with us for this episode. More information on this episode can be found in the episode description. And, don't forget to subscribe to the CHA Hub Podcast - wherever you get your podcasts from.The CHA Hub Podcast is supported by our Founding Partner: Westpac New Zealand.

In this episode, we explore the work of the Waikato Community Lands Trust, and how community land trusts can provide long-term affordable housing solutions. By separating land ownership from the homes built on it, Community Lands Trusts ensure affordability is preserved in perpetuity. The Waikato Community Lands Trust currently manages eight affordable rental units in Hamilton East and is actively looking at new models, including progressive home ownership, to give families stability, connection to community, and a pathway to secure housing.We spoke with May Low, Chair of the Waikato Community Lands Trust and Chief Operating Officer of Kiwi Innovation Network, about how the trust began, the role of partners like Habitat for Humanity, and why inclusionary zoning is critical for scaling this model nationally. May also shared her wider perspective on the barriers to collaboration, the need to put egos aside in the housing sector, and how her background in innovation shapes her vision for housing as the foundation of a better future for families and communities in Aotearoa.We'd like to thank May for taking time to speak with us for this episode. More information on this episode can be found in the episode description. And, don't forget to subscribe to the CHA Hub Podcast - wherever you get your podcasts from.The CHA Hub Podcast is supported by our Founding Partner: Westpac New Zealand.

In this episode we talk with Harvey Brookes, Executive Director of the Waikato Wellbeing Project. Harvey has spent much of his career working at the intersection of sustainable development, housing, and social wellbeing, helping to connect global frameworks like the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, to the realities of communities here in the Waikato. With extensive experience across strategy, policy, and regional development, Harvey brings a unique perspective on what it means to create healthier, fairer, and more resilient places to live.We sat down with Harvey and talked about the Waikato Housing Initiative, the challenges of affordability, and how systemic issues like water infrastructure, food insecurity, and housing costs are deeply intertwined. Our conversation explored both the barriers and opportunities for the Waikato to lead the way in a truly place-based approach to wellbeing, and asked the fundamental question: what would it really take to ensure housing is affordable for everyone?We'd like to thank Harvey for taking his time to speak with us for this episode.. More information on this episode can be found in the episode description. And, don't forget to subscribe to the CHA Hub Podcast - wherever you get your podcasts from.The CHA Hub Podcast is supported by our Founding Partner: Westpac New Zealand.

In this episode we speak with Doctor Mark Davey, the Director of Urban and Spatial Planning, at Hamilton City Council. Mark brings deep experience, leading the city’s land‑use, infrastructure, and climate‑responsive planning strategy.We sat down with Mark and discussed his thoughts on inclusionary housing and value capture. He highlighted the Future Proof partnership, the use of inclusionary zoning in greenfield areas, and the balance councils must strike between enabling development and securing affordable outcomes for the community.We'd like to thank Mark for taking his time to speak with us for this DeepDive Interview. More information on this episode can be found in the description. And, don't forget to subscribe to the Char Hub Podcast - wherever you get your podcasts from.The CHA Hub Podcast is supported by our Founding Partner: Westpac New Zealand.

In this episode we speak with Bernard Hickey - A leading economic commentator and founder of The Kākā, an independent newsletter focused on New Zealand’s political economy. He champions a bold rethinking of housing policy, finance, and public investment for long-term societal wellbeing.We sat down with Bernard, to unpack why housing lies at the heart of New Zealand’s economic challenges, and what bold policy shifts could help restore hope for future generations.We'd like to thank Bernard for taking his time to speak with us for this Deep Dive Interview. More information on this episode can be found in the description. And, don't forget to subscribe to the CHA Hub Podcast - wherever you get your podcasts from.The CHA Hub Podcast is supported by our Founding Partner: Westpac New Zealand.

Building for the long termHow long-term thinking can deliver affordable housingIn this CHA DeepDive interview,, we explore how New Zealand's largest industry still operates like a cottage industry, why standardisation could cut building costs in half, and how housing policy connects to social stability. This is about more than bricks and mortar. It's about building the foundation for a more equitable society.New Zealand has the most unaffordable housing market in the OECD. While politicians debate and developers chase profits, Sam Stubbs from Simplicity is quietly proving there's a better way.Simplicity builds apartments that cost 30 to 40 percent less, are 25 percent larger than market standard, and haven't lost a single tenant. The secret? Thinking 100 years ahead instead of chasing short-term returns.We'd like to thank Sam for taking the time to speak with us.For more information visit the CHA Hub at chahub.org.nz.Don’t forget to share and subscribe to the CHA Hub Podcast through your favourite podcast platform.The CHA Hub Podcast is supported by our Founding Partner: Westpac New Zealand.

Heiko Jonkers is a senior leader at Westpac New Zealand, where he plays a key role in shaping the bank’s strategy around sustainable finance, housing affordability, and community engagement. With deep experience in the banking sector and a strong interest in how financial institutions can drive positive social outcomes, Heiko brings a thoughtful and systems-oriented perspective to some of the biggest challenges facing New Zealand today. In this episode, we speak with Heiko about the role banks can play in enabling affordable housing, the evolution of public-private partnerships, and what it will take to build a more equitable future through finance.For more information visit the CHA Hub at chahub.org.nz.Don’t forget to share and subscribe to the CHA Hub Podcast through your favourite podcast platform.The CHA Hub Podcast is supported by our Founding Partner: Westpac New Zealand.

Across Aotearoa, more than 20,000 families are still waiting for a place to call home — despite billions in public spending each year. In this episode, we speak with James Palmer, founder of the Community Housing Funding Agency, about a powerful new approach to affordable housing. By combining KiwiSaver investments, government backing, and community expertise, CHFA is reshaping how we fund and deliver homes — creating a smarter, more sustainable future for housing in New Zealand.For more information visit the CHA Hub at chahub.org.nz.Don’t forget to share and subscribe to the CHA Hub Podcast through your favourite podcast platform.The CHA Hub Podcast is supported by our Founding Partner: Westpac New Zealand.

Charles Waldegrave is a pioneering figure in New Zealand’s housing and social policy landscape, recognised for his decades-long commitment to addressing inequality and driving systemic change. As a psychologist, social policy researcher, Anglican priest, and co-founder of the Family Centre Social Policy Research Unit, Charles has led groundbreaking work on housing deprivation, the living wage, and the relationship between economics and wellbeing. His research has helped shape national conversations, influence government policy, and empower communities through evidence-based advocacy. Respected across sectors, his work combines academic rigour with deep compassion, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of Aotearoa’s most vulnerable.In this CHA DeepDive, Paul Gilberd speaks with Charles about the history of New Zealand housing, the financial and policy landscape, recent policy changes, the introduction of the Community Housing Funding Agency and much more.For more information visit the CHA Hub at chahub.org.nz.Don’t forget to share and subscribe to the CHA Hub Podcast through your favourite podcast platform.The CHA Hub Podcast is supported by our Founding Partner: Westpac New Zealand.

In this episode we speak with Community Housing Aotearoa CE - Paul Gilberd - About how changes in the financing landscape can help provide more affordable housing - including recent policy announcements and the new Community Housing Funding Agency.Don’t forget to share and subscribe to the CHA Hub Podcast through your favourite podcast platform.The CHA Hub Podcast is supported by our Founding Partner: Westpac New Zealand.

While much of the CHA Hub focuses on technical housing and policy issues, it’s essential we remember that housing profoundly impacts people’s lives. CHA Stories and Case Studies are bout sharing real experiences and success stories from across the country. Through these narratives, we highlight the human side of housing - bringing voices to the forefront and showcasing the impact of effective policies and initiatives.In this CHA Story we spoke with Leo and Sean about the challenges of finding affordable housing in Queenstown and the effects of housing pressure on their family, friends and community. We’d like to thank Leo and Sean for taking their time to speak with us. Don’t forget to share and subscribe to the CHA Hub Podcast through your favourite podcast platform.The CHA Hub Podcast is supported by our Founding Partner: Westpac New Zealand.

Joining us today is Jennifer Palmer, General Manager of the Brian Perry Charitable Trust and Bridge Housing Charitable Trust. Originally from Ottawa, Canada, Jennifer has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of affordable housing and community initiatives in the Waikato region. In her current role, she oversees the operational and strategic support for projects like Bridge Housing’s Secure Homes Programme, Te Awa River Ride, the Avantidrome’s National Velodrome, Podium Sports Lodge, and the Adastra Foundation.You’ll find additional resources and further reading on the CHA HUB Website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠chahub.org.nz⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The CHA Hub Podcast is supported by our Founding Partner: Westpac New Zealand.

In this CHA Hub Podcast, we speak with Chris Glaudel, a senior leader at Community Housing Aotearoa and consultant in the affordable housing sector. With over two decades of experience in housing development and asset management, Chris brings valuable international perspective to New Zealand's housing challenges. Before moving to Aotearoa, Chris oversaw extensive housing portfolios across multiple states in the U.S., working with vulnerable populations and developing innovative funding models. His journey from being Peace Cor volunteer in West Africa to housing advocate has been driven by a deep belief in housing as a foundation for community wellbeing. In this episode, he shares insights on creating sustainable, affordable housing solutions for all New Zealanders.You’ll find additional resources and further reading on the CHA HUB Website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠chahub.org.nz⁠⁠⁠⁠The CHA Hub Podcast is supported by our Founding Partner: Westpac New Zealand.

This is an audio version of our printed Insight Report, Edition 1 - The Role of Community Housing Providers and CHAFor years, people have asked: what is the community housing sector? Who are you? What do you do? And most importantly - why? This report, and those to come, will address these questions and many more.New Zealand’s housing history has had its highs and lows. There were times when the majority had adequate housing, strong communities, and affordable living costs, with housing taking up about a third of household income.  But New Zealand and the world have changed significantly in recent decades. More families are finding it harder to live securely and affordably.  Supporting them is a key challenge, which community housing organisations have taken up.Working with local and central government, the community-led sector is stepping up to offer new solutions. We believe every New Zealander deserves a decent place to call home. Across the country, grassroots groups, big and small, are working tirelessly with the resources they have to house their communities.Our vision is clear: to see all New Zealanders well housed. We must all use our resources and talents to work towards a future where everyone is well housed.  We invite you to join us in exploring what is working and how we can do that more often, in more places.This is the first edition of our new Insight Report publication, with three to four editions planned annually. Each edition will focus on a specific topic and be accompanied by resources on the upcoming CHA HUB, an online knowledge platform launching later this year. Throughout 2025 we will be making copies of this report free of charge to our members. The intention in 2026 is to move to a subscription based publication, open to all.We would love to hear your feedback on these publications and the topics discussed. You’ll find additional resources and further reading on the CHA HUB Website at ⁠⁠⁠chahub.org.nz⁠⁠⁠The CHA Hub Podcast is supported by our Founding Partner: Westpac New Zealand.

During a course of interviews over the past year, we asked various people involved in the housing sector their thoughts on what makes community housing providers and CHPs unique. This article is a brief summary of their accounts.Our interviewees commented that community housing providers distinguish themselves through their deep local connections, mission-driven approach, and comprehensive support for tenants. These organisations are rooted in the specific communities they serve, allowing them to develop tailored housing solutions and take a long-term view that can weather changing policy.People who took part in this episode in order of appearance:Kay Saville-SmithPhilippa Howden-ChapmanMegan Woods Jill HawkeyHon Chris BishopJade KakeJacqueline PaulRoine LealaiaulotoGreg OrchardAlison CadmanGreg FosterCampbell RobertsYou’ll find additional resources and further reading on the CHA HUB Website at ⁠⁠chahub.org.nz⁠⁠The CHA Hub Podcast is supported by our Founding Partner: Westpac New Zealand.

In this episode we speak with Julie Scott from Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust about some of the projects in their region and the people they have helped into homes.You can also hear a full in-depth DeepDive interview with Julie in this episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6pm5jYkalo12TPkdJn5DTsAnd you can hear from Fran O'Connor, one of the residents that QLCHT have helped into a home in this episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5HaQR6GXELAtd76EPSoUtmYou can learn more about QLCHT from their website:https://www.qlcht.org.nzThe CHA Hub Podcast is supported by our Founding Partner: Westpac New Zealand.

While much of the CHA Hub focuses on technical housing and policy issues, it’s essential we remember that housing profoundly impacts people’s lives. CHA Stories and Case Studies are bout sharing real experiences and success stories from across the country. Through these narratives, we highlight the human side of housing - bringing voices to the forefront and showcasing the impact of effective policies and initiatives.In this episode we speak with Queenstown local, Fran O’Connor who has a home in the Toru Apartments, with the help of Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust - about her housing journey and some of the challenges local people and workers in Queenstown are facing.We’d like to thank Fran for taking the time to speak with us. Don’t forget to share and subscribe to the CHA Hub Podcast through your favourite podcast platform.The CHA Hub Podcast is supported by our Founding Partner: Westpac New Zealand.

In this episode, Paul Gilberd sits down with David Zussman, Engagement and Support Manager here at CHA.David joined CHA in 2017 and brings extensive experience in affordable and social housing across both the UK and New Zealand. His background spans tenancy management, community development, and leadership in the community housing sector.Together, we’ll explore David’s journey, the vital role of the Community Housing Sector and CHA, and much more.Don’t forget to subscribe to the CHA HUB Podcast ! You’ll find additional resources and further reading on the CHA HUB Website at chahub.org.nzThe CHA Hub Podcast is supported by our Founding Partner: Westpac New Zealand.

About this episode:Julie Scott is the Chief Executive of Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust.In 2007, the Queenstown Lakes District Council recognised an issue of the lack of affordable housing and acted upon it by initiating the formation of the Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust -  as an independent, not for profit, community owned organisation. In this episode we talk with Julie about the success of Inclusionary Housing projects to date in the region and the challenges faced implementing this long term solution.For more information on this topic and for the transcript of this interview, following the links in the episode description. And don’t forget to subscribe to and share the CHA Hub Podcast on your favourite podcast platform.Links:CHA HUB WebsiteQueenstown Lakes Community Housing TrustYou’ll find additional resources and further reading on the CHA HUB Website at ⁠chahub.org.nz⁠The CHA Hub Podcast is supported by our Founding Partner: Westpac New Zealand.