Rawhiti Domain temporary village
The Government has recently announced that it is proceeding with the development of a new temporary village at Rawhiti Domain in North New Brighton to help meet increasing demand for short term rental housing.
Village sites were chosen by the Department of Building and Housing in conjunction with the Christchurch City Council.
For more information or to register for a portable dwelling, visit the quake accomodation page.
Rawhiti Domain temporary village FAQs
Linwood Park temporary village
The Linwood Park temporary village is fully operational.
Questions and Answers for Linwood Park Village Site
What is happening with temporary housing in Linwood Park?
A temporary accommodation village of forty-one temporary homes (a mix of two, three and four bedroom units) has been established on part of Linwood Park.
Temporary homes are fully serviced with town water supply, sewerage and stormwater drains, rubbish collection, mail delivery, power and telephone lines, just like any other normal residential neighbourhood.
Why has this site been chosen?
There has been a significant amount of damage in the Eastern suburbs. A number of homes are uninhabitable, or will be during reconstruction, and people will need to vacate their homes for several weeks or months while their homes are repaired or rebuilt. The Linwood Park site was chosen as we want to keep people connected and involved with their existing community, and close to their usual schools and local services.
Why is the village required?
The Linwood Park village is required because a significant number of people will not be able to stay in their earthquake damaged homes or alternative accommodation whilst they find longer term solutions. There are a number of people who will need to relocate for several weeks or months while their homes are being repaired or rebuilt.
Who’s been involved in selecting this site and designing the village?
Many agencies have been involved in assessing the suitability of sites for temporary accommodation villages, including the Department of Building and Housing as the lead agency, Christchurch City Council, Civil Defence, New Zealand Fire Service, New Zealand Police, Ministry of Social Development, Ministry of Education, CERA, as well as geotechnical engineers and other specialists.
How will this village affect park users and other facilities in the park?
Care has been taken to ensure that easy access remains to the rest of the park and playground for local residents and other park users. Most of the usual recreational activities on Linwood Park will be able to continue. However, regrettably some recreation uses will be disrupted and alternative locations have been arranged by the Council.
When was this village up and running?
The first tenants moved in on the 26th of August 2011.
How long will this village operate for?
At this stage it is anticipated that Linwood Park village might need to be maintained on the site for about 24 months, longer if the need remains.
Who built the village?
Local Canterbury-based firms were engaged to design, build and operate the Linwood Park village, specifically a consortium of Hawkins Construction, Spanbild and Fulton Hogan. Darroch Ltd has been engaged to provide property management services.
What happens to Linwood Park after the village is gone?
The temporary village will be deconstructed when it is no longer required and the Linwood Park village site returned to its original condition, or better.
How will the village be managed?
A village management plan has been developed with input from the:
• Christchurch City Council
• New Zealand Police
• New Zealand Fire Service
• Ministry of Social Development
• Civil Defence
• Ministry of Education
• Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority
• Canterbury District Health Board
• Other key agencies and stakeholders.
This management plan covers off issues such as:
• Security and crime prevention
• Water and waste services
• Traffic management and lighting
• Health and safety
• Rubbish collection
• Noise and animal control.
Tenancy agreements are in place for residents, and residents and their visitors are required to comply with a set of village occupancy rules.
Who will manage the Village?
The village is managed and administered by a village operator contracted by the Department of Building and Housing. The village operator, Darroch Ltd, has an on-site office within the village as well as offices in Riccarton. They will be on-site ‘as required’ and are contactable by phone - 0800 432 776 . Residents and neighbours will be able to take their concerns and issues directly to the village operator in the first instance. Any problems or issues will be dealt with promptly.
What will the village operator be responsible for?
The village operator undertakes a range of duties including:
• Landlord functions (eg processing Tenancy Agreements)
• Property management (eg collecting rent and bonds, inspections)
• Facilities management (eg organising maintenance and repairs, mowing lawns etc)
• Compliance (eg ensuring residents abide by village occupancy rules)
• Providing information and advice to village residents.
Who will be living in the village?
People who have been displaced by the earthquake. These are mostly local people (ie people who already live in or close to the eastern suburbs) because one of the objectives of the village is to keep people connected and involved with their existing community, and close to their schools and local services.
How much will it cost to live in a portable home?
Rental costs are as follows:
• Up to 2 person (1 bedroom) $190 per week
• Up to 4 person (2 bedroom) $271 per week
• Up to 6 person (3 bedroom) $337 per week
• Up to 8 person (4 bedroom) $423 per week
Residents need to arrange and pay for their own utility services (eg power and telephone) while living in the village.
How many villages will there be?
Two villages have been established; the Linwood Park Village in Christchurch City, and the Kaiapoi Domain Village in the Waimakariri district. The proposed Rawhiti Domain is on hold and development is dependent on future demand for temporary accommodation.
Can people bring their pets?
Yes, it is recognised that for many people pets are part of the family and people want to bring their pets with them. As a general rule people will be allowed up to two pets per household, beyond this assessment is made on a case by case basis.
It’s important that we consider the animals and village residents’ wellbeing. For example, if a dog is used to having free run of a large section and isn’t particularly friendly then the space available within a village may not be suitable.
Village residents need to comply with all Council animal control rules around keeping dogs on a premise.
What size are the homes?
The internal floor area of temporary homes does vary. For example:
• the size of a four bedroom portable home will be approximately 103m2
• the size of a three bedroom portable home will be approximately 83m2
• the size of a two bedroom portable home will be approximately 64m2.
What type of utilities will be available?
All are connected to electricity and sewerage, and have a telephone line. They will also be fitted with a hot water cylinder and electric panel heaters in all habitable rooms.
Homes have kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities.
• Bathrooms are equipped with a shower or bath and shower in one, vanity unit and toilet.
• Kitchens have an electric oven installed but people are required to supply their own fridge/freezer and small kitchen appliances.
• Laundries include a tub but people need to supply their own washing machine and clothes dryer.
Are there facilities for people with disabilities?
Yes, some of the houses have been specifically designed and constructed to provide a level of accessibility and usability for people with disabilities and mobility issues (eg wheelchair ramps, accessible showers, grab rails etc).
Are the houses furnished?
No. People will need to bring their own appliances and furniture.
Are the houses insulated?
The houses have been designed to meet the latest insulation requirements of the New Zealand Building Code. This includes insulation to floors, walls and ceilings. All windows are double glazed. The temporary homes are very warm and comfortable.
Do the houses have a lounge or living area?
Yes, all have separate lounge/living room. Outdoor space (backyard) is also available for outdoor living.
Are carparking spaces available?
Yes, there is off street parking spaces for two vehicles. Parking spaces are also available for people who visit village residents.
Are footpaths and driveways sealed?
Yes, village footpaths and driveways are sealed.
Is there outside lighting?
Yes. Each home has external lights outside the front and back doors. There is also street lighting within the village just like any normal residential neighbourhood.
Is there fencing?
Yes, each house is fully fenced (1.8 m high fence) to accommodate children and pets, and to provide clear demarcation between each house. There is also a 1.8 metre fence around the village.
Is there on-site storage available?
Each portable home comes with an outside metal garden shed for storage of every day items such as bicycles, outdoor toys and play equipment, mobility scooters and BBQs.
Houses have some internal storage capacity (eg wardrobes and a hall cupboard), however for some households this space will be smaller than they are accustomed to and they will need to make alternative storage arrangements for some of their possessions (eg private storage companies or family and friends).
Are there any communal areas in the village?
Yes. A room is available in the Linwood village office building for residents meetings and activities. The village itself is also surrounded by large open park and other recreational facilities.
Where can I go to get more information on the Government’s temporary accommodation service?
For more detailed information about the Canterbury Earthquake Temporary Accommodation Service go to www.quakeaccommodation.govt.nz
If you have any further questions please call us on 0800 673 227 (Monday to Friday between 8am and 5pm).
You can also contact us at one of the following locations:
10 Nelson Street, Riccarton, Christchurch
Waimakariri Earthquake Hub, 23 Sewell Street, Kaiapoi
280 Westminster Street, Mairehau (located within the Fletcher EQR Hub)
66 Colombo Street, Beckenham (located within the Fletcher EQR Hub next to the South Christchurch Library car park)
250 Pages Road, Aranui (located within the Fletcher EQR Hub at Nga Hau e Wha Marae)
154 Aldwins Road, Linwood (located within the Linwood Community Link)
37 Hampshire Street, Aranui (located within Aranui Heartlands)
25 Shands Road, Hornby (located within Hornby Heartlands)
