Affordable housing for the elderly available in Hastings Elderly Hastings residents in need of affordable housing are being urged to place an application with Hastings District Council, as a number of the Council's housing units are soon to become available.

The Council has nine complexes located around the district and is committed to supporting older citizens by providing affordable, well-maintained and comfortable homes in a friendly and safe environment. The units are an extremely low maintenance option with Council staff mowing the lawns and tending the main gardens.

The units are available for rent by New Zealand citizens aged 60 or over and are the recipient of a permanent benefit. Potential residents must also meet a number of other criteria such as not owning a residential property and having a good tenancy history.

Complexes are located in Hastings, Havelock North, Camberley, Akina and Flaxmere. The Council provides single and double units from as little as $86 a week.

Topsy Olsen has been a resident at the Parkhaven Village in Akina for 17 years. She says safety is a big concern at her time of life." Village living gives me privacy but also peace of mind, from knowing that others around me are keeping an eye out for any problems. Being able to tend to my lovely garden right outside the front door is also a source of great satisfaction."

Kerry McCourt moved into the Tui Vale complex in Camberley a little over three years ago. He says "I love gardening and it's great to be able to use a number of plots around the complex to grow vegetables. I can grow enough potatoes to last me around five months and give away much of the other produce to residents, friends and family."

A number of units will become available in the near future and to make an enquiry please contact Hastings District Council's Housing Officer on (06) 871 5000.