19 Oct 2016

New Wellington mayor sets sights on home affordability

7:57 pm on 19 October 2016

A taskforce to tackle the affordability of housing in Wellington is being set up by new mayor Justin Lester.

New Wellington mayor Justin Lester speaks at his victory party.

New Wellington mayor Justin Lester speaks at his victory party. Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

It will examine issues including homelessness, social housing, schemes for first-home buyers, the rental market and housing density.

The council is hoping to report its recommendations by April so it can become part of its three-year plan.

Mr Lester said he wanted to make sure housing was affordable for all Wellingtonians.

"It's a multi-faceted approach that incorporates issues around homelessness, around affordable housing, around social housing provisions, and working with community housing providers and developers to make sure construction of houses takes place."

A record high median sales price of $480,000 was recorded in Wellington last month.