Ashburton Mayor Neil Brown opened a new 15-home Kāinga Ora development on Dobson Street this week.

Families will soon begin moving into the development, which includes 12 two-bedroom and three three-bedroom homes and a large communal outdoor area.

Mayor Brown said the new homes were a welcome addition to the social housing stock in the town.

“Our district continues to grow steadily and during our Long Term Planning last year we heard many comments about the need for more social housing. We are all pleased to see this new development finished and families moving in, in time for Christmas.”

Kāinga Ora Regional Director Canterbury Liz Krause said the completion of the homes was great news for the families who will live there.

“We’re really pleased that the families who will move in will be able to celebrate their first Christmas there and also enjoy the lovely outdoor space over the warmer summer months.

“Our team is currently working hard to match people to the new homes and will continue to support everyone who will be living there to settle in well.”

Construction of the new homes began in April this year. Kāinga Ora has completed more than 60 homes in Ashburton since 2023, and Dobson Street is the largest development.

There are also another 32 homes currently under contract or construction in the town.