The first group of state house tenants whose units have undergone earthquake strengthening have moved back in.
The units in Lower Hutt were vacated after it was found they met only 10% of the building standard and posed a significant earthquake risk.
Housing Minister Nick Smith says the 16 units, which re-opened on Wednesday, have undergone significant renovations as well as strengthening.
"It's an opportunity to fully insulate the homes, to redo the carpets and the upgrades ... associated with those. I think we're getting good value for money but most importantly we're now providing a better standard of accommodation for Housing New Zealand tenants."
Nick Smith says 280 units nationwide will have had strengthening work done by August next year.
