New Zealand / Housing

Hastings state housing project delayed by squeeze on construction supply chain

14:26 pm on 20 September 2021

At least one state housing project has been delayed by the squeeze on the construction industry supply chain.

A social housing unit under construction in Raureka in Hastings (file picture). Photo: RNZ/ Tom Kitchin

The pressures are expected to continue even after Auckland drops its pandemic alert level.

Kāinga Ora says this has delayed one project in Hastings, for 40 homes at Kauri Place, by a few months until early next year.

It is now assessing the impact of the pandemic on the rest of its nationwide work programme.

"We are in the same position as the rest of the construction industry," general manager construction and innovation Patrick Dougherty said.

"We continue to monitor this changing situation and offer any assistance we can to our build partners."

The agency, which built almost 2500 new homes in the last year, and upgraded another 15,000, said it was trying to forecast demand as far ahead as possible to reduce price fluctuations and delays.

"Our advice to our build partners is to forward plan and place orders for any materials required," Dougherty said.