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Tauranga Disability Housing Evacuated Due to Structural Issues

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  Published in House and Home on Friday, January 9th 2026 at 13:14 GMT by The New Zealand Herald

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Tauranga, New Zealand - January 9th, 2026 - Eleven tenants with disabilities were urgently relocated from an Accessible Properties complex in Tauranga this week after a recent inspection revealed concerning structural issues. The sudden evacuation has highlighted the crucial, and often fragile, state of specialist disability housing in New Zealand, raising questions about maintenance, inspection regimes, and the availability of suitable alternative accommodation.

Accessible Properties, a leading provider of accessible housing, confirmed that the issues discovered prompted an immediate response, prioritizing the safety of residents. Spokeswoman Jess Trowbridge stated the company engaged a structural engineer as soon as the concerns were identified to assess the extent of the damage and formulate a repair plan. "We immediately engaged a structural engineer to assess the building and provide a detailed report," she said, emphasizing the organization's commitment to tenant safety.

The Tauranga complex is part of Accessible Properties' extensive portfolio of over 1800 properties nationwide, catering specifically to individuals with a range of disabilities. While the company maintains a regional presence, this incident shines a light on the inherent challenges of managing a large stock of specialized housing, particularly older buildings often adapted to meet unique accessibility needs.

The immediate concern now rests with the displaced tenants. Accessible Properties is currently working to secure alternative accommodation for all eleven individuals, acknowledging the significant stress and disruption caused by the forced move. Finding suitable housing is complicated by the specialized requirements of each tenant - features such as wheelchair access, modified bathrooms, and proximity to support services are all critical considerations. Simply finding a house isn't enough; it needs to be a suitable house.

While Accessible Properties has stated its commitment to supporting tenants through this transition, advocates for disability rights are calling for greater transparency and accountability in the management of accessible housing. Concerns are mounting about the potential for systemic issues within the sector, with fears that underfunding and infrequent inspections could be contributing to a growing backlog of necessary repairs.

"This situation in Tauranga is unfortunately not unique," says Sarah McMillan, spokesperson for the New Zealand Disability Housing Coalition. "We've been hearing anecdotal evidence of similar issues in other regions, raising serious questions about the long-term sustainability of our accessible housing stock. Proactive maintenance and regular, thorough inspections are vital, but they require consistent funding and dedicated resources."

The structural engineering assessment is expected in the coming weeks and will detail the extent of the problems and the associated repair costs. The nature of the structural issues remains undisclosed at this time, but experts suggest that potential problems could range from foundation settlement and timber rot to issues with modifications made to enhance accessibility, such as ramps or lift installations. Any repair work will need to be carefully planned to ensure it doesn't compromise the accessibility features of the building.

Beyond the immediate crisis in Tauranga, this incident underscores a broader national challenge: the chronic shortage of accessible housing in New Zealand. Demand consistently outstrips supply, leaving many people with disabilities facing long waitlists and limited options. This situation is exacerbated by an aging population and increasing awareness of the need for inclusive housing.

The New Zealand government has recently announced increased investment in social and accessible housing, but critics argue that more needs to be done to address the underlying systemic issues. A comprehensive review of building standards, inspection protocols, and funding models is seen as essential to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable tenants and to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The focus needs to shift from reactive repairs to proactive maintenance and a long-term commitment to providing high-quality, accessible housing for all New Zealanders.