Introduction

This has been typed up in a hurry by James Samuel, as we sit here in Wanganui having conversations about how we help people meet this essential need for shelter. This blog entry will be edited in due course by Eddie. It is a beginning to ensure that connections are made and information exchanged across this network....

I am concerned about housing affordability. By removing it from the concept of it being a personal asset, housing could just as easily be something we use, until we don't need it anymore. The majority of people don't need or want to make money from our homes, we want a roof, a shelter, a place to live with our families.

I am working on systems for homes with simple and effective above ground grey water, black water and compost toilets, so that we can enjoy flexibility. . .

Given the story of the $45million Orewa housing development which has just gone belly up, this sort of thinking is needed now. We have the means and the conversations are beginning to take place - the 9 Northland Mayors have been talking about the need to make changes to the building code to allow us to find the creative ways to meet our needs without having to suffer being told we are doing something "illegal".